Acquisitions and Content Delivery
What we will do:
We provide a service that enables staff and students to request resources for the Library, including print and electronic books, journals, databases, audiovisual material, and other items to support teaching and research. We also manage purchases for Schools and Units using their own funds.
- We will assess all requests fairly and in line with the Purchasing Guidelines.
- We will order approved books and films within one week.
- We will review requests for serials, journals and databases for subject coverage, relevance, and cost, and may offer trials before subscription.
- We will provide clear email updates on queries and progress.
- We will process received items within 24 hours for cataloguing.
Purchases funded by Schools and Units may take up to six weeks, depending on supplier response and vendor approval.
How this will be delivered:
- Staff can request purchases by emailing library@st-andrews.ac.uk with as much detail as possible (title, author, ISBN, publisher, vendor, cost).
- Students can complete the book recommendation form on Library Search. You can find further information on the recommendation service on the Book ordering: Recommending new books for the Library page.
- There is no cost for staff and students.
- Reading List purchases have annual deadlines communicated by the Academic Liaison team.
- School-funded purchase request must include item details, requester contact information, fund code, and any deadlines. Budget holder approval will be required.
- Emails are acknowledged within 24 hours (Monday–Friday, excluding holidays).
- Books and films are purchased by the Acquisitions team from approved suppliers.
- Journals and databases require consultation with the Academic Liaison Librarian and may involve trials before subscription.
- On arrival, items are receipted, paid for, and passed to the Metadata team for cataloguing and processing.