New purchases and iOS

I then go to my iPad to download the new resource

I'm assuming by this that you actually want to download the resource so it is available offline.

You can manage this from your desktop / laptop environment.

In the Library screenshot below I have sorted by "Last Updated" (if you don't see this column, right-click in the column headers and select it), selected a group of recent resources and opened the Information Panel. You will see an option to download selected resources to mobile devices (and to specific Logos applications on those devices)

Choose the app you want and the resources should be downloaded automatically - may take a few minutes

most of my new purchases seem to float to the top of the list When sorted by "recent." This actually isn't the behavior I expect or want to see. 

In the library search box, type local: 

Sure thing. [:)]