The University of St. Thomas

Acquisitions FAQ

Acquisitions Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who can make book purchase requests?
  2. How can I make a book purchase request?
  3. How long will it take for an ordered book to be ready for check-out?
  4. Is there a way to RUSH a book order?
  5. Can I put a "Hold" on an ordered book?
  6. What does the "status" mean on the holdings screen on CLICnet?
  7. How can I make a donation to the library?
  8. Whom do I ask about improving the libraries' collections?
  9. If I've lost a book and have been billed for it, what can I do?

1. Who can make book purchase requests?

Materials for the libraries' collections are selected principally by the faculty and library staff, although anyone may suggest items to be considered for purchase. Librarians act as liaisons (liaison librarians) with academic departments, helping to identify resource needs and working directly with faculty. Selectors choose materials based on requirements of the curriculum and other needs of users, and on the perceived quality and authority of the content.

For questions, concerns, comments in the area of Collection Development, please contact the appropriate library liaison or academic departmental liaison.

2. How can I make a book purchase request?

3. How long will it take for an ordered book to be ready for check- out?

It usually takes about two months for a book to be ordered, received, invoiced, cataloged and processed, depending on availability from the publisher. In the case of a RUSH, RESERVE or NOTIFY REQUESTOR, please indicate on your order request.

4. Is there a way to RUSH a book order?

Contact Leah Norris at (651) 962-5017 for RUSH orders that are needed by faculty in less that the usual two-month turn around time for receipt of a title. Please be advised that a rush request is an emergency situation only.   (A RUSH order will take up to 3 weeks.)

5. Can I put a "Hold" on an ordered book?

  •  "On Order for..." = no holds
  •  "Being processed for..." = no holds
  •  IN PROCESSING status =  holds allowed
  •  NEW BOOKS AREA status = holds allowed 
  •  AVAILABLE status = holds allowed

6. What does the "status" mean on the holdings screen on CLICnet?

  • "On Order for ..." = Is still on order and has not been received
  • "Being processed for... " = Has been received but is not available yet
  •  IN PROCESSING status = Is being cataloged and processed but is not available yet
  •  NEW BOOKS AREA status = Located on 2nd floor of Library; may be checked out
  •  AVAILABLE status = On the shelf and ready for check-out.

7. How can I make a donation to the library?

Donations of library material or monetary gifts are welcomed as resources for enhancing the libraries' collections. Especially appreciated are materials in good physical condition which are related to the curricula of the University and which meet the criteria for selection. Donated materials are evaluated by library staff members who determine items the library will add to the collection. For more information about donations, see here.

Donations are acknowledged in writing; however, the donor is responsible for the appraisal of the materials for tax purposes.

For book donations, contact Linda Hulbert at (651) 962-5016.

For current periodical subscription donations, consult with Linda Hulbert at (651) 962-5016 or Dani Roach at (651) 962-5408.

Monetary gifts intended for the improvement of the libraries' collections are appreciated. Prospective donors should consult with:

  • Director of UST Libraries, Dan Gjelten  (651) 962-5005
  • Director of Ireland Library, Curt LeMay (651) 962-5451
  • Director of Keffer Library, Janice Kragness (651) 962-4645
  • University's Development Office (651)  962-6950

8. Whom do I ask about improving the library's collection?

9. If I've lost a book and have been billed for it, what do I do?

Go to the Circulation Desk.