Tools
Purchase Suggestion FAQ
We welcome your suggestions regarding items that you would like to see included
in the King County Library System’s collection.
Due to the large volume of suggestions received, we are unable to purchase
all materials. If the item you suggest is eventually purchased, a hold will
automatically be placed for you on the material. If your account does not have
an available hold space, you will be notified that your request has been purchased.
You may then place a hold at your convenience in the library catalog.
Before submitting a purchase suggestion, please check the KCLS
catalog to make
sure that we don’t already own the item.
Please read the following information before completing a request form.
Who may suggest a purchase?
You may suggest an item you would like to see included in the collection if
you have a valid library card with KCLS. If your card is blocked, or you have
overdue items, your request may be delayed.
Seattle residents with reciprocal cards may suggest an item for purchase,
although a hold will not be placed for them on the requested material. Please
see the SPL FAQ for more detailed information.
What items can be purchased?
- Books published within the last year
- Music CDs
- Audiobooks
- DVDs
What items aren’t available to purchase?
- Items we already own, even if our copies are reference materials, or have holds placed on them.
- Books published more than one year ago. Older books may be requested through Interlibrary Loan.
- Out of print or used items.
Are there any fees?
There are no fees associated with suggesting an item for purchase.
Will a hold be placed?
If a material that you suggested be purchased is added to the library’s
collection, a hold will automatically be placed for you. If you already have
placed a maximum of 25 holds on items, and your account does not have available
hold space, you will be notified that the item has been purchased. You may
then place a hold at your convenience in the library catalog.
How are patrons notified?
If a hold is placed for you on the item, you will receive an automated message,
similar to any other hold. You will be notified via phone, email or U. S.
mail, depending on which option you selected in your patron record. To check
the option you chose, or if you would like to change your option, contact
your local library.
Can the request status be checked?
To check on the status of your request, you may check your patron record. If we purchase your request and you have an available hold, a hold will be placed for you on the item. If we purchase your request and you do not have an available hold, we are unable to notify you of the purchase or place a hold for you. If the item is not purchased, you will be notified.
Last Updated: January 3, 2012
