Selecting and ordering resources
Order requests for library materials can be submitted via:
- an email to acquisitions@ballarat.edu.au
- a fax to (03) 5327 9595
- internal mail to: Acquisitions, Library (Mt Helen Campus) - please annotate any catalogues / blurbs with number of copies required, campus, and school/department.
Frequently asked questions
- How to order monographs (books, DVDs, etc.)
- How to order subscription items (journals, magazines, databases)
- Prescribed reading list items
- I need something urgently!
- How many copies can I order?
- Can I order items for my own office / work area?
- What if I want a specific format? (print / electronic)
- How do I know when my order has arrived?
- What happens if we can't source your order?
- I'd like to find out about new publications in my subject area
- I'd like assistance in selecting resources / building collections
- Gifts and donations
1. How to order monographs (books, DVDs, etc.)
Monograph is a librarian's word meaning one-off publication, such as a book, or anything else that is not released in parts over time.
Monograph items can be ordered via our online form, email to acquisitions@ballarat.edu.au, or by sending hardcopy information to us via fax or internal post.
Please remember to include as much information as possible on the item required, as well as number of copies required, which campus library/ies it is to be housed, and which School / Department is requesting the item/s.
If you prefer a specific format, such as eBook, or print, please let us know. If no preference is indicated, the Library will purchase electronic formats where possible.
Let us know if the item is urgent, or if you would like to see it once it arrives, and we'll rush the item through and place a hold for you.
2. How to order subscription items (journals, magazines, databases)
Any request for something that requires ongoing payment over time, such as a journal subscription, or subscription to an electronic database product, needs approval from Head of School before the Library can commit ongoing funds.
Please feel free to contact us in the first instance to confirm availability and price of the item you are considering.
3. Prescribed reading list items
Items on prescribed reading lists are dealt with in several ways, depending on the campus where the subject is taught.
Mt Helen Campus prescribed reading lists that are sent to the bookshop are automatically routed to the Library as well, so that we can check our catalogue for holdings. The Library will buy three copies of titles on prescribed reading lists.
SMB / Western campuses prescribed reading list items are only purchased if the subject convenor supplies the Library with the reading lists. The Library may purchase up to three copies of prescribed reading list texts, depending on student numbers. These items are placed on short (7 day) loan.
Students are reminded that it is an expectation that they purchase any prescribed texts, as the Library cannot be relied on to have copies available at any particular time.
The Library will endeavour to have a copy of any other recommended resources available.
4. I need something urgently!
Please note on any order you make whether the item requested is required urgently.The Library will endeavour to get the item as quickly as possible, and catalogue and process it as soon as it arrives in the building.
If you'd like to see the item when it arrives, let us know and we'll place a hold for you so it can be picked up at the loans desk when it's ready to borrow.
5. How many copies can I order?
The Library will order up to a maximum of six copies of any particular title. This is to ensure an equitable expenditure of the Library budget, and to manage our collection spaces in a sustainable manner.
6. Can I order items for my own office / work area?
No. The Library budget is provided to purchase material to be housed or made available from the Library, therefore any item purchased from the Library budget is to be shelved in the Library, or made available to all staff and students via the Library website.7. What if I want a specific format? (print / electronic)
If you prefer a specific format, such as ebook, or print, please let us know by annotating your order appropriately. The Library will preference electronic formats where possible, unless you request otherwise.
8. How do I know when my order has arrived?
Generally, the Library does not notify staff that their order has arrived, so we advise checking the catalogue, which has real-time indication of order status.
If you wish to be notified when a requested item arrives, let us know when you place the order, and we will send you an email when your order arrives.
Alternatively, if you tell us you'd like a hold placed on the item for you, it will be delivered to the Information Desk at your campus once it is ready to be borrowed.
9. What happens if we can't source your order?
If we have been unable to find the item you have requested, we will contact you and let you know. If required, we can try and source similar items if possible.
10. I'd like to find out about new publications in my subject area
Contact the Acquisitions Librarian, at: acquisitions@ballarat.edu.au, or on extension 8077, and we can discuss your requirements.
We can supply print catalogues, or emailed lists from our library suppliers of new titles in most subject areas.
11. I'd like assistance in selecting resources / building collections
Upon request we can compile tailored subject bibliographies from which selections can be made. This is a particularly useful service for academics and teachers who are preparing new units or revising recommended reading lists.
12. Gifts and donations
The Library accepts gifts and donations. You can find out more by reading the Library gifts and donations guidelines (pdf, 49kb). Those wishing to make a gift or donation should complete the Deed of Gift of Library Materials form (docx, 1.3mb).
The Library is also an eligible institution for donations under the Cultural Gifts Program (external website), which provides the donor with a tax benefit.