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

Date: Mon, 15 Aug 2005 12:37 PM
From: Barbara Dean (Arlington County Dept. of Libraries) 
<Bdean_at_arlingtonva.us>
Subject: Re: Number of Vendors Used (Summary of Responses)

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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