Question

How long does it take for books ordered to become available from the Library?

Answered By: Subject Support McClay Library
Last Updated: Aug 10, 2023     Views: 1327

Library staff are dedicated to making books ordered for the library available as soon as possible. However, please allow at least 6 weeks for print books to become available from library stock. A number of factors influence the time it takes to get a book to the library shelves. These include:

  • Order processing (the creation of full order records for the library database)
  • Delivery from a designated Library supplier (see our further information on library suppliers)
  • Book receipt processing
  • Cataloguing and subject classification for addition to the Library Catalogue
  • Shelfmark labelling and delivery to the appropriate library destination

That said, books may become available before 6 weeks. Ebook access from the Library Catalogue is generally possible within two weeks.

Some print books may take longer to supply, e.g. some foreign language and US published material. Holiday and peak demand periods are also likely to influence the time it takes to make a book available.

Please contact your subject librarian if you have further questions on ordering books for the Library.

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