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.
@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.
Kim Possible 
butterscotch