Patron-Initiated Purchasing Program The UM Libraries have begun a program that reviews Interlibrary Loan requests for possible purchase. Other libraries that have instituted similar programs have found this to be a cost-effective approach to meeting research needs while building their local library collections. Although ILL services are free to users, the library is often charged for borrowing materials from other libraries. When titles are available for purchase and meet UM’s collection development requirements, in many cases acquiring the titles for all library users is a better use of resources. The pilot phase of this program revealed the positive outcome of supporting interdisciplinary research. As a part of the purchasing review, the library takes into consideration the users suggestion for purchasing. Please note that a suggestion to “not purchase” will result in the library borrowing the title. If the user suggests purchasing the title, a number of criteria such as price, shipping estimates, and other collection development criteria are used to determine purchasing or borrowing. Please consider your choices for purchasing as well as the acceptability of an e-book format carefully. In general, purchasing does not increase the wait time and in some cases it is faster than borrowing. To-date library users have found this program helpful. When titles are purchased, it does allow for a longer check-out period and renewals.  We hope users find this program beneficial. If you have questions or comments about this program, please let me know!