Decker Library is committed to aiding in the online-only learning environment and allows purchase of individual ebooks when available.
Current Policies:
- eBook requests can only be made by faculty for their classes.
- Priority will be given to requests for classes happening in the current semester.
- eBook access and the license we purchase will depend on the intended use, such as how many students are in the class, how many will be using the resource and when students will need to access the resource.
- Please note that eBooks for Libraries work differently than the kind commercially available to individuals, so we may not be able to fulfill every request. Reasons for this include the book not being available from our vendor or the book not being available in eBook format. We suggest that patrons check the Enoch Pratt Free Library holdings if we cannot fulfill the request.
- If a recommendation is approved, the expected turnaround time is up to two weeks from the time the request is received to when students will be able to access the title.
- The patron will be notified by email whether or not the request has been fulfilled.
- We will purchase an unlimited user license for any eBook request that costs $150 or less
- If the unlimited user is not an option, the Collection Services Librarian will notify faculty and the liaison that 1, 3, or concurrent users are the only option and they will collectively decide what the best route is.
- If the eBook is above $150 for unlimited user access, the Collection Services Librarian will discuss with the liaison and the Library Director, then faculty to clarify how eBook will be used.
Note:
Filling out the request form does not guarantee that the library will purchase a request, either due to availability or cost. If we are unable to fulfill this request we will suggest alternative options for the person requesting (e.g. scanning a few chapters).