(1)---------------------------------------------------
Date: Sun, 19 Nov 2006 14:59:21 -0500
From: Don Chvatal (Ringgold, Inc.) <don_at_openrfp.com>
Subject: RE- Direct ordering vs. third-party sites
My recommendation would be to go direct, but only when you observe a
cost in excess of a select
amount--say $40, or maybe $100; that way you are paying for service on
routine and inexpensive
items, as you are realizing the advantages of the systems in place at
Alibris and ABE (Advanced
Book Exchange, for example, www.abe.com which is a favorite of mine)
where you can shop to
compare prices and to find things your really want and need. Without
such service you would not
know for certain that you are paying "fair" prices, much less to
discover what is available, and these
services do open up the world of locating materials that would otherwise
remain obscure.
(I would suspect your whole OP methods have been revised because of
these services; i.e., you no
longer submit want lists to select dealers.)
Looks like indeed some of these booksellers in turn are trying to "have
it both ways" as they likely
will continue to list their materials with the consolidators. In fact,
I would argue for you as consumer
that when you do choose to "go direct" (as they request) you put
yourself in a position to negotiate
price, thereby entitled to discount, which certainly might be
advantageous where the price is high
or where there are multiple copies available from other dealers.
"Caveat Emptor" is a rule that
suggests your primary responsibility is to serve your institution, thus
you can be as selective as you wish.
On another personal note, as I live in the Portland, Oregon area, I am
loyal to my locale, and
fortunate that I have Powells Books ten minutes away. They get my
business even when there is
some price differential. (www.powells.com) So, there is argument for
maintaining relationships with
specific booksellers; out of loyalty to you as customer, they may be
giving your preference for select
items when you are competing for something you really want.
I am a former bookseller to academic and special libraries.
Don Chvatal
President, Ringgold, Inc.
6645 W. Burnside Rd., #522
Portland, OR 97210-6646
503-977-1313
503-977-1314 (fax)
503-309-2589 (mobile)
Don.Chvatal_at_ringgold.com
www.ringgold.com
Skype VOIP: dchvatal
(2)---------------------------------------------------
Date: Sun, 19 Nov 2006 19:19:20 -0500
From: Nanette Sweetser (U. of the Sunshine Coast) <NSWEETSE_at_usc.edu.au>
Subject: RE- Direct ordering vs. third-party sites
Dealers have expressed more confidence to me in Biblio.com than other
3rd parties. "Biblio is the best venue to order from." -- Tin Star Books
14/9/06. I also recieved a recommendation from a UK bookseller (which I
have lost). I have begun using it this year and find the service is
quick, reliable, accurate and responsive. They also document the process
thoroughly and send emails regularly on the progress of the items on
order.
Best regards
Nan
Nan Sweetser
Acquisitions & Cataloguing Librarian
University of the Sunshine Coast
Library Resources and Technologies
Maroochydore D.C. Qld 4558 Australia
Tel: 07-5430-2812
Fax: 07-5430-2810
e-Mail: <nsweetse_at_usc.edu.au>
Web: <www.usc.edu.au>
(3)---------------------------------------------------
Date: Mon, 20 Nov 2006 10:10:56 -0500
From: Steve Corrsin (NY Public Lib.) <scorrsin_at_nypl.org>
Subject: RE- OP and orders
That's just like what we sometimes hear from publishers, who are sure that
the evil subscription agents/ vendors/ jobbers are taking their profits.
The fact is that most publishers, and most booksellers, provide lousy
service. That's why the middlemen arose in the first place.
To be a little more concrete, we often buy for special collections directly
from a seller, but for routine OP stuff, we go to Alibris or whoever.
Stephen D. Corrsin
Chief of Acquisitions
The New York Public Library, The Research Libraries
5th Ave & 42d St.
New York NY 10018-2788
tel 212-930-0839
fax 212-930-9258
scorrsin_at_nypl.org
(4)---------------------------- ---------
Date: Mon, 20 Nov 2006 15:01:08 -0500
From: Laverne Jenkins(Cuyahoga Comm. College)<Laverne.Jenkins_at_tri-c.edu>
Subject: RE - Direct ordering vs. third-party sites
I haven't had this experience, but would say no dealer has the right to
make such demands unless they are going to withdraw access to their
inventory from jobbers, like Alibris, and become sole source dealers.
Just my take on this,--Laverne
Laverne C. Jenkins
Head of Library Technical Services/ILS Coordinator
Cuyahoga Community College
Learning Resources Program
Technical Processing Division
11000 Pleasant Valley Road
Parma, OH 44130
Voice: (216) 987-5338
Fax: 216-987-5050
Email: laverne.jenkins_at_tri-c.edu
----Original message:
Date: Mon, 06 Nov 2006 16:37:49 -0500
From: Charles Hillen (Getty Research Institute) <CHillen_at_getty.edu>
Subject: Direct ordering vs. third-party sites
I've recently encountered an issue with which I need some wider
perspective. A couple of OP dealers with whom we've done business for
many years have expressed their expectation that we always order
directly from them rather than buying from them through a third-party
site, such as Alibris. Both of the dealers complained about the site's
"expensive fees/charges that they have to pay." They seem to feel OK
about making this demand due to our long history of ordering from them.
I find it problematic to accomodate these vendors' concerns. Has anyone
come across this problem and, if so, how did you deal with it?
Thanks,
~Charles
Charles F. Hillen
Head of Acquisitions
Research Library
The Getty Research Institute
1200 Getty Center Dr. Suite 1100
Los Angeles CA 90049-1688
Tel: (310) 440-6682
Fax: (310) 440-7779
E-mail: chillen_at_getty.edu
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Received on Sun Dec 03 2006 - 15:11:13 EST