Q. How do I request the Libraries purchase a book, journal, video, or other item, and how will I know when it is available?

Here is a link to request a book purchase through the library. We cannot purchase all suggestions. We will consider all requests and will notify you about our purchasing decision. The Resource Discovery & Management division reviews all purchase requests and makes decisions based on many factors (cost, utility to academic programs, etc.). It also may take several months for a book to arrive at the library, which may be due to publication dates, availability of the book, and availability of funds.

Check QuickSearch on the library's homepage to determine if the book is listed. Enter the book title into the Quick Search box and select "Books/eBooks" under "Content-Type". If the book is not listed, it was not purchased or has not arrived.

If the requested book is needed urgently, UW Libraries have borrowing agreements with Colorado (Prospector) and nationwide libraries (Interlibrary Loan (ILL)). Patrons may borrow almost any book or media item. Contact the Coe Library Help Desk if you need assistance locating items or making a request.

Regarding popular reading material, we generally do not purchase popular reading titles. An exception to this rule would be novels or non-fiction used for instruction. As with "academic" books, only one copy is purchased; multiple copies are not purchased for classroom use.

RDM rents popular reading materials on a rotating basis from a library book vendor. However, be aware that the UW Libraries purchase novels (regular and graphic) and non-fiction that go into the regular collection so those authors' works can be studied and researched.