Document Delivery Book Policy FAQ
The Walden Library has in the past provided books through Indiana University's Document Delivery Service. As of June 1, 2008, this program will cease. Article delivery will continue to be provided and significant eBook purchases will be made in order to offer books in a more timely delivery format.

Q: Why the change?

A: There are a number of factors that entered into the decision to end book delivery:

Timeliness of materials

Most students who used the document delivery service to receive books were dissatisfied with the amount of time needed to receive a requested item. The time needed to locate, retrieve and mail a book averaged three to four weeks. This left the student approximately one week to read the book and return it to Indiana University. Renewals are not allowed. The turnaround time cannot be improved on, making the delivery of books a less than satisfactory experience for most users.

Cost

Shipping charges for books sent through the mail are borne by the students. There are also lost books, fines and unpaid shipping fees that the library pays before it recoups the charges from the student. Some charges are not recouped resulting in a loss to the library.

Availability of Alternative Formats

eBooks are now more widely available and accepted. It is the Walden Library's policy that library resources are to be in digital format. The purchase of eBooks and the change in the DDS book service, therefore, meet the Walden Library's Collection policy by acquiring materials in digital format. eBooks are available immediately to the desktop, avoiding the need for shipping.

Q: How do I get to the eBooks?

A: Walden has over 2000 eBooks in all fields of study, including many of the major theorists used for KAM research. See our page on Accessing eBooks on our website.

Q: How can I get print books faster?

A: Students have a number of options available to them should they desire a print copy of a book. These avenues are generally more timely than the Document Delivery Service.

• Purchase books online from Google Books or Project Gutenberg.
• Purchase used books through eBay. A used copy (which is what you would get from the library!) is often about the same cost as shipping the book from Indiana to you and back again.
• Your local public library can interloan a book for you and have it delivered locally. Public libraries have interlibrary loan networks they work through to acquire copies from nearby libraries. You should get the book much faster.
• A local academic or large public library near you may own the item. Check Worldcat to determine who near you owns a particular book. The Walden Library would be happy to write you a courtesy letter requesting research access for you to that library. Not all academic or special libraries allow use by students not from their own institutions. Check their access policies to be sure.

Please contact the Walden Library if you need help locating your local resources.

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