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Suggest a Purchase

Members of the Union community may make suggestions for new materials to be added to our collection. We are happy to make purchases that fall within our collection development policy. We do our best to acquire the items you need for your research and teaching. If we are unable to purchase an item, we will reach out to you as quickly as possible. Please note that we will often seek electronic copies of items to allow for multiple simultaneous users, particularly if the item is needed for a course. Use the “Notes” section of the form to let us know if you do not want a particular format.

Contact librarycollections@union.edu with any questions.

How to request

1.
Perform a search
to suggest a purchase
(best for: books, media).

-OR-

2.
Use a blank form
to send your request
(best for: journal subscriptions,
items not yet published).

1. Perform a Search

Before you suggest a purchase, we recommend that you search WorldCat through Primo. Find your item, then choose "Check for available services" to start the process.

Search WorldCat through Primo:

Once you find your item, don't forget to sign in to see all of your options!

  • If we already have the item, you can place the item on Hold or Course Reserves right away.
  • If we do not own the item, choose "Suggest purchasing for the library's collection" to start your request. This will pre-populate our request form with the relevant information, and will help us process the request more quickly.


2. Use a Blank Form

You can also start a request using a blank form. This is helpful for items that are not yet published, for journals you would like the library to subscribe to, or hard-to-find items that may not be easily searched in WorldCat. Please provide as much information as possible so we can locate your item.

Tips:

Notes section

No matter the method, when filling out the form, use the “Notes” section of the form to let us know if you do not want a particular format. (Example: "ebook only")

Unpublished books

If a book is not yet published, please note this during the request, or save your request until after the publication date.

Primo

Requests take place through Primo, the library's discovery system. Be sure to sign in to Primo to make sure all options are available to you.

Schaffer Library

Schaffer Library

807 Union St
Schenectady, NY 12308

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