Q. How do I know if a book I would like the library to purchase is available as an ebook?

Right now there is not a good way for patrons to know whether the book they would like to request is available for use on our ebook platform (EBL), or whether that book is available to libraries at all (some publishers will not sell ebooks to libraries). However, you can use the book purchase request form in order to find out. If you use the request form in ILLiad then the Libraries will communicate with you about whether that book is available for purchase or not, and which formats are options.

It is worth noting as well that most e-textbooks are not available for purchase, those companies only allow individual purchases. Also, Western Libraries' policy is to avoid purchasing textbooks since they do often have a lot of worth to the collection long-term. That said, if you are interested in placing a book request purchase for a book that is not strictly a textbook the Libraries will consider those requests.

If you have specific questions about this process—given that it is a little complicated—feel free to contact a librarian for assistance using the information on the right.