Complaint About Missing Library Books

When and how to use this letter

Submit this letter to the librarian, with a copy to the principal or the relevant department head. Librarians generally want to help — a specific, written request about a named book gives them exactly what they need to raise a purchase order, while vague complaints about "no books" give them nothing actionable.

Here is a tip that speeds things up considerably: check whether the book is listed in the library catalogue or accession register before you complain. If the catalogue shows five copies but the shelf has none, the problem is tracking and recovery, not purchasing — and your letter should ask the librarian to trace the issued copies. If the catalogue never had the book, the problem is procurement, and your letter should request a new purchase. Knowing which of the two you are asking for makes your letter far more useful to the person reading it. Mention how many students in your class need the same book, because librarians order more copies for high-demand titles.

If the book is expensive or imported, ask whether the library can arrange an inter-library loan or a digital copy in the meantime. Follow up after two weeks; purchase orders move slowly, but a polite reminder keeps yours at the top of the pile.

Frequently asked questions

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