[toast0]

Nobody requested it => no one wanted it.

[rahimnathwani]

SFPL doesn't have even one copy of SICP.

And I can't request a copy because it's too old.

Do you believe that no one in San Francisco ever wanted to read SICP?

[toast0]

I can believe that nobody was checking it out and it got weeded. But you should be able to get it through interlibrary loan.

https://sfpl.libanswers.com/faq/97320

Worldcat says it's at 1483 libraries: https://search.worldcat.org/title/Structure-and-interpretati... (although some of them may not participate in ILL, and some may only have eBooks that you probably can't borrow unless you have an appropriate account)

I'm sure SFPL does tracking on ILL requests and if something comes up more than once or twice in a reasonable period and it's available for purchase, a copy will be purchased to add to the collection.

[rahimnathwani]

OK I just submitted two ILL requests (for two different books).

[rahimnathwani]

If that's the case, then why do librarians curate collections? Why stock any book before a library user has requested it?

[toast0]

To reduce latency on first use for books the curators think are likely to be used?

[so-cal-schemer]

As the top poster said: Use it or lose it.

Request physical copies of books you want to read, and that you think are beneficial to the community. And check them out from time to time.

I'm sure a librarian does their best to keep abreast with the latest best books.. but would they know the field better than someone in it?

I've been told they have experts that consult on title selection. But based on the 004-006 section at most libraries, I can only infer that is the IT guy at the senior center..

If the library buys it, that patron will come..