Ordering Instructions

The Library welcomes requests from students, faculty, and staff for materials in all formats.  For database requests, please contact your research librarian.

To Request an Order

• Check Compass to verify that Bowdoin does not already have the item. We will purchase duplicate copies of books held at Colby and/or Bates if requested. You may use Compass to borrow books from Colby or Bates in 2-3 days.
• Fill out the Order Request Form, including the ISBN if possible.
• For DVD requests, indicate specific viewing dates and which version of a film you are requesting. Request foreign films well in advance. Provide as much information as possible for foreign films and allow a significant lead time for their receipt. Note that recent documentaries are not always immediately available for purchase.
• Note if the item is needed by a specific date.
• If the item is needed immediately, please contact Donna Van Dyck, Acquisitions Specialist, to expedite your request.
• Faculty traveling abroad who wish to purchase books and DVDs should contact their research librarian in advance.

Please Note

• Items are typically available to you within 2-4 weeks. The Library contracts with a book vendor, which provides significant cost savings and initial processing of the books.
• Compass shows the status of the order: "On Order" and "In Process" (item has arrived and is being cataloged). You may request expedition of an "In Process" item by contacting Donna Van Dyck, Acquisitions Specialist, or Mary Macul, Head of Cataloging.
• We will search for out-of-print items.

Questions about ordering? Contact Donna Van Dyck, Acquisitions Specialist, or Carmen Greenlee.

Ordering Materials for Reserve

• Fill out the Order Request Form including the ISBN if possible.
• If the Library already owns copies of the title, please mark "added copy/ies" on the Order Request Form.
• Faculty may place a personal copy of a textbook on reserve.
• More information about course reserve materials.

Questions about Reserves? Contact Amy Heggie, Circulation and User Services Manager.