How to place a purchase request

Requests for books and other non-serial items for inclusion in the UNE Libraries collection should normally be placed through your discipline's Library Liaison Officer.

The online Book/DVD Recommendation form can also be used to suggest the purchase of books and other (non-serial) items by the Library. However, this method does not directly inform your LLO of the request or guarantee purchase.

Where both eBook and print editions are obtainable, we will purchase the eBook edition if available on a currently used platform, unless specifically advised otherwise. Where the title is not available electronically on a current platform, we will purchase a paperback edition if available, or a hardback or cloth edition in the last instance.

Number of copies required

The number of copies required should be noted. We will check all requested titles against our catalogue holdings before ordering, and duplicate requests are discarded unless it is obvious that you are requesting extra copies.

Prescribed textbooks

The Library undertakes to ensure that at least one copy of the current edition of every prescribed textbook is held in its collections. This copy may be shelved in the Print Reserve Collection upon request. Where available in electronic format on a currently used platform, it is highly desirable to have textbooks accessible in both formats.

Library staff check each trimester that current textbooks have been acquired. If you have any concerns regarding the Library's textbook holdings, please contact Tracy Cooper, Resources Coordinator (Monographs).

Recommended course readings

The Library endeavours to provide access to all recommended course readings. In the case of resources only available in print form, multiple copies should be requested appropriate to the level of enrolment in the unit, and a copy placed in the Print Reserve Collection.

Academic staff should check that all recommendations for "further reading" in their unit notes are available in the Library collection, or that requests to order material are plaved via their LLO at least 6 weeks before required by their students.

Where does the Library purchase books?

For reasons of economy and efficiency, we rarely deal directly with publishers. Most orders are placed with established library suppliers in the country of origin. For Australian-sourced materials, the turn-around (from ordering through to cataloguing) is approximately 6-8 weeks, assuming the title is in stock. It takes 8-10 weeks for items obtained overseas.

New Books

New books are displayed in the Current Serials display area on the First Floor of Dixson Library. They remain there for a week before going to the shelves. Check the online New Books list to see what has arrived.

Ordering and paying for books intended for personal use

Books and other items intended for academics' personal use or a School library are no longer purchased through the University Library. Such purchases should be met from Academic Pursuits funds, Research grants, including Internal Research Grants (IRGs) or School maintenance funds. Please remember that books and other items purchased out of IRG funds remain the property of the University. These should ultimately be deposited at the University Library as stipulated under Section G.7.1. of the Administrative Handbook.

Further information

If you have any further enquiries, please contact Warren Gilson, Collections Services Manager.