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Our Services: Requesting a Purchase: Information for Staff

Information for Staff

All members of staff are able to make requests for book purchases. 

Depending on the type of purchase request, there are three main routes to follow:

  1. Reading List Requests: Submit your request via Talis Aspire.
  2. Non-Reading List Requests: Use the Purchase Request Form.
  3. Libby App Titles (Leisure Reading & Wellbeing) Make requests directly through the Libby App using the Deep Search and Notify Me functions.

If you need assistance with Talis Aspire, please contact your Faculty Support Librarian or email library.resources@durham.ac.uk for general reading list enquiries.

Requesting purchases for Reading Lists

To request a purchase, follow these steps:

  1. Add Resources to Talis: First, add the relevant resources to your Talis reading list.
  2. Request a Review: After adding the resources, request a review.
  3. Publish the List: Ensure you publish the list again to reflect any changes for the students' view.

Tip: The Library will notify you of any items that are unavailable for purchase so you can consider alternative texts.

Requesting Non-Reading List resources

If you need to request a resource for purchase that is not for a reading list, please use the Purchase Request Form.

Steps to Follow:

  • Provide Detailed Information: Include as much information as possible on the form to expedite processing.
  • eBook First Policy: We purchasing eBooks when available. If no eBook is available, we will purchase a print copy, provided you have indicated that a print copy is acceptable by ticking the "Print Copy Acceptable" box at the bottom of the form.
  • Accessibility Considerations: If an eBook is not suitable for accessibility reasons please mention this in the note field. Your request will be carefully considered and in strictest confidence

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance!

Subscriptions: Journals/Databases/eBook Packages

To manage budgets for resources with ongoing costs, we must carefully consider the impact of new subscriptions.

If you would like the Library to subscribe to a journal or database not currently available in our collection, the request must come from your department through your Faculty Support Librarian. They will provide guidance on how to proceed with the request.