ACQNET: Re - Number of Vendors Used (Summary of Replies)

Date: Mon, 15 August 2005 12:37 PM
From: Barbara Dean (Arlington County Dept. of Libraries)
Bdean_at_arlingtonva.us
Subject: Re: Number of Vendors Used (Summary of Replies)
 
In April I submitted a query to ACQNET asking about the number of 
booksellers/publishers other medium-sized urban libraries use in a year. 
At the time I was concerned that my library was wasting resources by
using a far larger number of companies than appropriate for the size 
and nature of our collection. Several librarians responded both on and 
off the list. I want to summarize those responses in case others might 
find the information helpful.

Everyone who responded said they use between two and six vendors
for the majority of their purchases, but that they do order direct when 
necessary to get what a selector wants. Some respondents said they 
did not think it prudent to send all of their orders to only one company. 
They prefer to use a limited number of vendors, however, because of the 
possibility of increased discounts and streamlined internal procedures. It 
also makes it possible to develop good working relationships with the 
vendors with whom they do work. 

Sometimes items not handled by the major library vendors are available 
by using an online source making it unnecessary to order direct from the 
publisher. Depending on which source is used, it may be possible to get 
free shipping and/or a small discount. Other librarians said they send all 
of their orders for hard-to-locate materials to one vendor who is willing 
to get them for the library. In one library, most selectors must use a 
major vendor when ordering from April to May. If the vendor doesn't have
two or more copies in stock, the order waits until July when the new 
fiscal year begins. This policy makes it possible to ensure the library's 
budget will be spent out before the end of the fiscal year.

Thank you to everyone who responded to my query. The information
was extremely useful.

Barbara C. Dean 
Acquisitions Librarian 
Arlington County Department of Libraries 
1015 North Quincy Street 
Arlington, VA 22201 
703-228-5979 
703-228-5998 FAX 






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