1. Who can use this request form?
The materials request form is for use by Bluffton University faculty. Each faculty member is responsible for adhering to any ordering procedures and use of departmental funds that his/her department may have in place.
2. Where is the form?
The form is available at http://www.bluffton.edu/library/services/acq/ - a good place to bookmark! You can also click on the Materials Purchase from the library homepage. See below for other ways to make requests.
3. Are there other ways to make requests?
Requests may be submitted without using the online form by sending a catalog or flyer (or a copy of the appropriate pages) to the library, c/o Library Acquisitions. Sending a catalog can actually speed the request, especially if there is a review or other detail about the recommended title. As with CHOICE card requests, please remember to write the fund name and selector name on the catalog/flyer page with the title of interest -- and add any special notes in regard to the purchase, including the date needed if a RUSH item.
4. What information is required?
Complete bibliographic information, including author, title, place of publication, and copyright date - plus the price and ISBN number. Books in Print and amazon.com are two good sources to use in gathering needed information. If all of the information for the form is not available to you, including for out-of-print titles, please submit your request via email to acquisitions@bluffton.edu with any known details on the item and a request for assistance.
5. How will we keep track of how much our department has spent?
Reports will be sent monthly to department chairs and faculty selectors, usually at the time CHOICE cards are distributed. The deadline for submitting department requests is April 1 of the current fiscal year. Any unencumbered funds after this date will be used for library materials at the discretion of the librarians; departmental requests will be considered but not guaranteed.
6. What funds are available for video/dvd purchases?
Some departments may find that the video/dvd budget allocated to the department is not adequate for their needs. While we try to protect the department's "book budget," there may be special circumstances that would allow us to use some of that fund for non-print materials. Requests can be submitted anytime for review.
7. What can my student assistant (s) do to help with this process?
Student assistants can check the online catalog to see if the item is already owned by the library or on order. They can also search Books in Print and amazon.com to find complete publication information and pricing for titles of interest.
8. What are my chances if I need something in a hurry?
Items needed within a short period of time should be designated RUSH on the request form. With all the time that is needed to place/receive an order and catalog an item, requests for materials needed to support course offerings should be submitted to the acquisitions department at least six weeks prior to the time that they will be needed. Following this guideline as the usual procedure will make it easier for the library to accommodate unexpected special RUSH needs.
9. Does the library only purchase items currently in print?
The library has vendors for out-of-print titles as well as those for new books. Replacements or binding for titles already in the collection are paid from other library funds, not taken from departmental allotments.
10. Who is the contact for any questions about making requests or the progress of my order?
Direct inquiries to acquisitions@bluffton.edu or call 3396.
