Q. How long does it take for a title to get ordered? How long does it take for a title to get to the library?
A. Requests for purchase usually come from the appropriate subject coordinator or selector. The coordinator/selector will then assign a fund and sometimes suggest a vendor. The request is then placed with the SOS group. Typically, these initial steps can take a few hours for a rush title, or a few weeks as in the case of subscriptions or electronic requests that have to be reviewed by committees. Once the request has been submitted for ordering, SOS makes every effort to process the item within 4 weeks for regular orders and 48 hours for rush titles. After an order has been mailed, faxed, or emailed, it is then up to the vendor, publisher, or distributor to send the title. If a title is not readily available, the supplier may send a status report. Titles published in the US and Canada can generally take as little as a few days to about two or four weeks or longer to arrive. Titles published in foreign countries generally arrive in about 6 to 8 weeks or longer. SOS in conjunction with Receiving Group will monitor a title’s progress with any follow-up necessary to shorten delays.

Q. Why are some titles that I requested coming back to me with "Have," "On Order," or "In Process" notes? I really did check EUCLID.
A. About 75-90% of new title requests are submitted by individuals. However, another 10-25% may have arrived in the General Libraries by other routes. Currently, we have 14 approval plans that include books or slips or both. Many titles that are requested individually may arrive here as part of one of these plans. The Library is constantly getting gift books that help to fill gaps in the collection. The title submitted may also be a part of a standing order, subscription, or membership that we currently have. There are titles that have a multi-subject appeal. Given these circumstances, chances are good that your request may be returned to you.

Q. How do I find out the status of an item listed as "ON-ORDER" in EUCLID?
A. See our handout, "How to Check EUCLID for On Order Status." There are copies located in the SOS group.

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