Q. Can the Library purchase a book or item not in the collection?

Yes, we welcome customer suggestions for titles that will enrich the Library’s collection! Though the Library cannot guarantee that a suggestion will be obtained, we value hearing customer interests. Customers with an active Austin Public Library card may register an online account. Please use the Suggest a Title form in the My APL Dashboard to submit suggestions to the Library’s Collections team. A link to the form is also located at the bottom of the catalog. For instructions on how to submit a suggestion, please see the Suggest Titles Guide.

For all suggestions, please note:

• The decision to purchase an item or specific format depends on several factors:
  • The Library’s Materials Selection Policy
  • Budget constraints
  • Availability from contracted vendors
• Vendor availability or decisions by an author or publisher may affect which formats are available to purchase. For example, some titles are digital-only releases, or are not published in large print.  Each collection format is distinct. Availability of a title in eBook format does not ensure availability in print.
• Each account is limited to four suggestions each calendar month.
• You can monitor the status of a submitted suggestion in My APL Dashboard. Notifications are not sent via email.
• Please note that the timeline to review a suggestion can vary depending upon several factors. We are unable to provide an estimated timeline.
• You can cancel a suggestion if it has not yet been reviewed and replace it with a new suggestion.
• You can place a hold on a purchased title when it appears in the catalog as “On Order.” Our system does not automatically place a hold for an approved suggestion.

If your suggestion was not purchased:

• Submit an Interlibrary Loan request to receive the print book from another participating library. With an active Austin Public Library card, you can request up to two physical books at a time.
• Go to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission to place an interlibrary loan request for up to five active requests in multiple formats (books, DVDs, CDs, etc.). Register, pick up, and return items in person at the State Library.