Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2004 12:13:29 -0400
From: Judy Alliprandine (Jefferson Co PL) <judya_at_jefferson.lib.co.us>
Subject: Re: Measuring Productivity in Acquisitions Department
[Ed. note: This very informative reply was missed back in Sept. Our
apologies]
I posted a similar query to the listserv back in 2001, when our new
manager, eager to reduce our total throughput time (from receipt of order to
material out to our libraries), asked what the standards for acquisitions
and cataloging work were. At that time, I could not identify any throughput
or hourly standards for acquisitions work, so I posted an inquiry to the
list. A few kind responses explained how their operation worked, many
responses said "when you find out, please let me know," one response advised
us to outsource, but no one came up with definite standards for our area.
Now, 3 years later, we have significantly reduced our throughput time, using
some work streamlining, new ILS capabilities, and the addition of temporary,
hourly personnel. I believe most of our throughput time reduction is due to
the last factor. In 2001 we had a 9-week backlog of unopened new materials,
and a 4-5 month total throughput time for getting new materials out to our
libraries. At this time, we are 1 week behind in opening incoming boxes,
and our throughput time is about 1 month. Priority materials go through in
2 days. Given our current materials budget and staffing level, we have
agreed that this is where we need to be.
Looking at our total numbers from the last month, our ordering staff is
completing about 7 orders/hr., our receiving staff is handling about 30
items/hr., and our end-processing staff is handling about 50 items/hr.
overall. These are gross numbers, not work goals. The work varies
significantly depending on whether or not the item is available from
standard sources, vendor shipping & invoicing differences, processing
requirements for different material types.
It seems to me that work out the door depends on multiple factors s/a
materials budget, staffing level, responsibilities included in each job,
type of orders, vendor, accepted quality of work, system
requirements/capabilities.
So I don't have hard data for you, but I thought I'd share our story. Good
luck!
Judy Alliprandine
Head, Acquisitions Unit
Library Service Center
Jefferson County Public Library
10500 W.38th Ave., Wheat Ridge CO 80033
303-275-2251 (office)
303-275-2255 (FAX)
judya_at_jefferson.lib.co.us
Find us on the Web: http://jefferson.lib.co.us
-----Original Message-----
Date: Fri, 13 Aug 2004 16:38:02 -0400
From: Mary Wilke (Center for Research Libraries) <wilke_at_crl.edu>
Subject: Measuring Productivity in Acquisitions Department
With recent greater emphasis being placed on measurable workout in
the library I worked at, I am wondering if anyone knows of, or can
direct me to, a source or sources which would help with the following
questions:
1) How many orders should a paraprofessional be able to place in a
certain amount of time?
2) How long should pre-order verification take?
3) How long should it take to receive and process and order for a
single item? For a multiple part item, say with 50 pieces?
100 pieces?
I would greatly appreciate any help in this direction.
Thank you in advance,
Mary
Mary I. Wilke
Center for Research Libraries
6050 S. Kenwood Ave.
Chicago, IL 60637-2804
Tel: (773)955-4545 ext. 351
Fax: (773) 955-4339
Email: wilke_at_crl.edu
http://www.crl.edu
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Received on Tue Nov 02 2004 - 11:06:05 EST