Mastodawn

Librarians: I'm sure it works differently in different locations, but if a book I am interested in has 78 holds on two copies, if I add myself to that long queue, will the library be more likely to purchase an additional copy? Or is the number of holds largely irrelevant? I can just wait for the queue to die down.

#Library #Books #Holds

Dr Alice Violett 3d ago

@kimlockhartga they would have noticed and ordered more copies at the library service where I worked, yes 😊

@kimlockhartga They will often buy more copies, but if it's ebook they might be more limited. I add my hold either way, because sometimes it helps their budget requests and data.

@mtechman okay. Well, if it helps I can add mine to the queue for the (print) book.

@kimlockhartga May as well be in line, it'll be a nice surprise 😉

Dave Dawkins (D. Harrigon)3d ago

@kimlockhartga The answer is, It Depends. Mostly Libraries make purchasing decisions based on predicted demand, with an awareness that some books will experience greater demand. If a book has been around for a while, and is considered "commercially reduced" (I can't remember the exact term, but basically not selling many copies anymore) and is still in high demand, they may purchase an extra copy for their system. Unlikely with any particular book, though.

@golgaloth okay. Thanks. Sounds like I should just put it on my TBR and wait about a year.

ZenHeathen 🇨🇦3d ago

@kimlockhartga 78 holds on 2 copies? Those two copies are never coming back...

Laux Myth (aka Martin)3d ago

@ZenHeathen @kimlockhartga
And what condition will they be by then?

@lauxmyth @ZenHeathen I've been fortunate. I rarely come across damaged library books.

qurlyjoe 3d ago

@kimlockhartga
I expect budget is in the equation. Our library’s in a statewide network which help distribute demand somewhat. But a popular book will likely be popular everywhere. Our library also does regular book sales, mainly to raise money from books that’ve been donated, but they can also add books that have faded in popularity.

@qurlyjoe I can respect that. I don't necessarily want my library to purchase four identical books which will wane in popularity after a year, when we could have had three other new books by other authors.

Anne Ominous 2d ago

@kimlockhartga @qurlyjoe

libraries dont hold onto this many copies of ebooks forever tho.

they have a ton as the popularity is huge, then over the months and years, start to let the copies go.

i watched that happen with a number of titles at chicago library

Britney Spears' The Woman in Me is a great example.
when i read it, i was like hold #500 on 300 copies.
now they have three copies of that book.

i would also add the chicago library has a 'purchase suggestion' link. yours may too

@rustoleumlove @qurlyjoe that is interesting.

butterscotch 3d ago

@kimlockhartga I’ve got an ebook hold on Libby that will probably resolve in 4-6 years lol. Doesn’t seem like my library is purchasing any more copies of Slow Horses. “You are 417th in line (started: 489th). 2 copies in use. 491 people waiting in total. 246 people waiting per copy.”

@butterscotch HOLY SHIT.

I have never seen that many people in line.

Also, one of my libraries allows you to put a newer book on hold, and the other has no holds allowed on any book less than a year old. That means you have to stalk the New Arrivals shelf in person, and wait for them to restock to see if the book you want has been returned.

@butterscotch I just looked up my library's availability on Slow Horses and it's a mixed bag, but not too bad:

It's instantly available as an audiobook on Hoopla (rare limited app used by very few libraries).

21 holds on 2 audiobooks via Libby (popular ebook app used by many U.S. libraries).

Paperback available, but only at one "preferred location."

Ebook: 42 holds on 5 copies.

And 3 holds on one copy of the print book.

That's probably confusing, but certainly fewer than the holds you are having to wade through. I feel like Australia gets shafted sometimes, when it comes to book availability, due to geography and population density.