I think that it would be good if the library purchased additional copies of books that are on reserve for classes. For example, I am trying to locate a copy of Michael Hardt’s “Empire” (I have it requested and on interlibrary loan), because there is only one copy and it is on reserve for a class.
ANSWER PERSON RESPONDS: Gee, isn’t that why we have reserves, so that one person won’t monopolize use of a book needed by a whole class? It also means that the library spends less money on duplicate copies, and thus is able to buy more books. Well, that’s nice, but if you need it and there are thirty other students trying to use the same book, then . . . Perkins we have a problem.
The Reserves Department is able to obtain additional copies, usually operating on the guidelines of one copy for each twenty students, with a maximum of three copies per class. What you need to do is talk to your professor, who can make the request to the Reserves staff. Bear in mind, however, that this late in the semester, it may not come in in time to help. On the other hand, it might . . . and think of how much you will have helped future generations of students in that class.