Q. What does it mean to "recall" a book?

"Recalling" a book means that the person who currently has it checked out is required to return it by a new due date, typically a few weeks after the recall request was made. If they do not return it by the date, they incur some heavy fines.

We completely understand about not wanting to be rude, but some people will keep books out for years. Have you checked the Ann Arbor collection to see if there is a second or third copy? In the Library Catalog you can change the default of "Flint Thompson Library" to "All libraries" in the upper right corner. You can also place an Interlibrary Loan request or check your local library.