How to Say What You Tried Already in Library Help Message English
When you write a help message to a librarian, you often need to explain what you have already done to solve your problem. This is important because it saves the librarian’s time and helps them give you the right answer faster. This guide shows you exactly how to say what you tried already in clear, natural English that works for emails, chat messages, and in-person conversations at the library.
Quick Answer: How to Say What You Tried
Use a simple structure: state your problem, then say what you did. For example: “I cannot find the book. I already checked the online catalog and looked on the shelf.” Use words like already, tried, checked, looked, and searched to show your actions. Keep your sentences short and direct.
Why Explaining What You Tried Matters
Librarians handle many requests every day. If you tell them what you have already done, they can skip basic troubleshooting and move straight to a solution. For example, if you say “I tried searching the catalog but got no results,” the librarian knows not to ask you to search again. Instead, they can suggest a different database or check if the item is in storage.
This skill is also useful for library chat messages, email requests, and even when you ask for help at the front desk. It shows that you are prepared and respectful of the librarian’s time.
Key Phrases to Use
Here are the most common phrases English learners need to explain what they tried. Each phrase has a different tone and context.
| Phrase | Tone | Best for | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| I already checked | Neutral | Email and chat | I already checked the library website. |
| I tried looking for | Informal | Conversation | I tried looking for the journal on the second floor. |
| I have searched | Formal | Written requests | I have searched the database but found nothing. |
| I attempted to | Very formal | Official emails | I attempted to access the article through the link. |
| I couldn’t find | Neutral | All situations | I couldn’t find the DVD in the media section. |
| I looked everywhere | Informal | Conversation | I looked everywhere on the shelf but it’s not there. |
Natural Examples for Different Situations
Example 1: You cannot find a book on the shelf
Email to a librarian:
“Dear Librarian, I am looking for the book Oceanography Today. I already checked the online catalog and it says the book is available. I looked on the shelf in the science section, but it was not there. Can you help me find it?”
Chat message:
“Hi, I can’t find Oceanography Today. I checked the catalog and the shelf. Any ideas?”
Example 2: You cannot access an online article
Email:
“Hello, I am trying to read the article ‘Climate Change in Cities’ from the JSTOR database. I have searched using the title and author, but it says access is restricted. I already logged in with my library card. Can you check if there is another way?”
In person:
“I tried to open this article on the library computer, but it says I don’t have access. I already signed in. What should I do?”
Example 3: You need help with a research database
Email:
“Dear Librarian, I am working on a project about renewable energy. I attempted to use the ProQuest database, but I could not find any recent articles. I searched using keywords like ‘solar power’ and ‘wind energy.’ Could you suggest a better database?”
Conversation:
“I tried ProQuest for my project, but nothing useful came up. I used ‘solar power’ as a keyword. What else can I try?”
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Mistake 1: Not mentioning what you tried at all
Wrong: “I can’t find the book. Help.”
Better: “I can’t find the book. I already checked the catalog and the shelf.”
Why: The librarian does not know if you have done basic steps. They will ask you to check the catalog first, which wastes time.
Mistake 2: Using the wrong tense
Wrong: “I check the catalog yesterday.”
Better: “I checked the catalog yesterday.” or “I have already checked the catalog.”
Why: Use past simple or present perfect to talk about completed actions. “I check” is present tense and sounds like you are doing it now.
Mistake 3: Being too vague
Wrong: “I tried everything.”
Better: “I tried searching the catalog, looking on the shelf, and asking a friend.”
Why: “Everything” is not helpful. The librarian needs specific details to understand your problem.
Mistake 4: Forgetting to say the result
Wrong: “I searched the database.”
Better: “I searched the database, but I found zero results.”
Why: Telling the result helps the librarian know if the problem is with your search or with the database itself.
Better Alternatives for Common Situations
Situation: You looked for a book but it is missing
Instead of: “The book is not there.”
Say: “I checked the shelf where the book should be, but it was not there. The catalog says it is available.”
When to use it: Use this when you want the librarian to check if the book is misplaced, checked out, or in a different location.
Situation: You tried a database but got no results
Instead of: “The database doesn’t work.”
Say: “I searched the ProQuest database using the keywords ‘urban planning,’ but I got no results. I also tried ‘city design’ and still found nothing.”
When to use it: Use this when you need help choosing better keywords or a different database.
Situation: You attempted to log in but failed
Instead of: “I can’t log in.”
Say: “I tried to log in with my library card number and password, but it says ‘invalid credentials.’ I already reset my password once.”
When to use it: Use this when you need technical help, and you want to show you already tried basic troubleshooting.
Mini Practice Section
Test yourself. Read each situation and write your own help message. Then check the sample answer.
Question 1
Situation: You are looking for a DVD called Wild Africa. You checked the catalog and it says it is in the library. You looked on the shelf in the media section but did not find it. Write a short chat message to a librarian.
Sample answer: “Hi, I’m looking for the DVD Wild Africa. I checked the catalog and it says it’s here. I looked on the media shelf but couldn’t find it. Can you help?”
Question 2
Situation: You need an article from a journal called Journal of Modern History. You searched the library website using the journal name, but it says “no results.” Write an email asking for help.
Sample answer: “Dear Librarian, I am trying to find an article from the Journal of Modern History. I searched the library website using the journal name, but I got no results. I also tried searching by the article title. Can you tell me if the library has access to this journal?”
Question 3
Situation: You tried to print a document from a library computer, but the printer did not work. You already checked that the printer has paper and that you are logged in. Write what you would say at the front desk.
Sample answer: “I tried to print from computer number 5, but nothing came out. I checked the printer and it has paper. I am logged in. Can you check if there is a problem with the printer?”
Question 4
Situation: You need a quiet study room. You looked at the library website and it showed no available rooms. You walked around the second floor and saw all rooms were occupied. Write a message to a librarian.
Sample answer: “Hello, I need a quiet study room. I checked the website and it said no rooms are available. I also walked around the second floor and all rooms were taken. Is there another floor with open rooms?”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should I always say what I tried?
Yes, in most cases. It helps the librarian understand your problem quickly. The only exception is if you have no idea where to start. In that case, say “I am new to this library. Can you show me how to find books?”
2. What if I tried many things? Should I list all of them?
List the most important two or three steps. For example, “I checked the catalog, looked on the shelf, and asked at the front desk.” You do not need to mention every small step.
3. Is it okay to use “I tried” in formal emails?
Yes, “I tried” is neutral and works in most formal emails. For very formal situations, use “I attempted” or “I made an effort to.” But “I tried” is usually fine.
4. What if I am not sure what I tried was correct?
That is okay. Just describe what you did. For example, “I think I searched the catalog, but I am not sure if I did it right.” The librarian will guide you.
Final Tips for Writing Your Help Message
When you write a library help message, always include these three parts:
- Your goal: What do you want to find or do?
- What you tried: What steps did you take?
- The result: What happened after you tried?
For more help with the first part of your message, visit our Library Help Message Starters section. If you need to make polite requests, check Library Help Message Polite Requests. For more examples of explaining problems, see our Library Help Message Problem Explanations category. You can also practice with replies in Library Help Message Practice Replies.
If you have questions about this guide, please visit our Contact Us page or read our FAQ for more information.
