Hamilton East Public Library

How does the library decide which items to purchase?

Librarians from different departments select the materials. Adult Reference is responsible for adult videos, recorded books, music CD’s, fiction and nonfiction books, adult newspapers and magazines, and reference materials, while Youth Services selects children’s and young adult’s fiction books and recorded books, nonfiction books, music CDs, fiction and nonfiction videos, magazines, and reference material. The Outreach Department selects circulating CD-ROM programs. 

Where does the library purchase its materials?

The library purchases the majority of its books through a jobber, but many books, especially specialty items such as reference books, are purchased directly from the publisher. Many of the videos and music CDs are also purchased from a jobber, but we also use more than 100 vendors for these items as well. We are always looking for a reliable source with the lowest prices.

How long does it take from the time a book is selected for purchase, until it is on the shelf ready to checked out by patrons?

Assuming that the book is in stock, we will usually receive an ordered book within one week. Unpacking and initial processing, cataloging, and final processing usually can be accomplished within one month. Books, CDs and videos which are on back order (not in stock with the jobber or publisher) can take up to six months to be received.

Do any materials get preferential treatment once received by Technical Services?

Yes, we have a special procedure to "rush" items through all of our processing steps. We try to process rush items within five days. The items which qualify for this special status include items on which patrons have already placed a hold, reference materials, and memorial books (books purchased in memory of a library patron).

How many items are processed by Technical Services each year?

In 2007, we ordered 27,557 items and processed 44,276 items.
In 2008, we ordered 25,960 items and processed 45,814 items.
In 2009 (as of 1 October), we have ordered 21,895 items and processed 32,573 items.

Why are new titles at the bookstore before the library?

Publishers ship to commercial outlets before public libraries so they can sell more copies. Usually, though, the time difference is not too great. Once items are received, cataloging and processing is done for each item. This makes the record of the item available in the Classic Catalog and our Discovery Catalog places it near other items about the subject, and meets important ownership and insurance requirements.

If you know of a book, CD, or video that is being published or released, check our catalog. If it is on order, contact the Reference Department and ask for a hold to be placed on the item. This will ensure that when the item is received, it will get special attention by Technical Services, and you will get the item much more quickly.