We do get requests fairly often that seem a bit unusual. Quite frequently the book in question will turn out to be older, and/or self published. Very rarely the requester provides contact information but usually not. (Wouldn't you want the book if you want us to buy it?) A new version of these requests is to ask us to buy a self-published book and to recommend also a book we have that is listed in our catalog and has a reserves list. Again, no contact information given ....
Wendy Miller
Reference Librarian
Portland Public Library
5 Monument Square
Portland, Maine 04101
________________________________________
From: ACQNET-L [acqnet-l-bounces_at_lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of acqnet-l_at_lists.ibiblio.org [acqnet-l_at_lists.ibiblio.org]
Sent: Thursday, August 07, 2014 11:47 AM
To: acqnet-l_at_lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: [ACQNET-L] E-mails suggesting purchases?
Is anyone on the list receiving unsolicited e-mails from people unaffiliated with your library asking you to purchase specific titles and then contact the sender when the books arrive? We have been receiving these types of e-mails approximately two or three times per month for quite some time, and the e-mails are addressed to either the library director (not by name--just "Dear Library Director") or the reference librarian (again, generically, with "Dear Reference Librarian" in the salutation). Most of our e-mails come from someone named Bernice Williams.
Some of our librarians have ordered books requested this way before, thinking that it was a local patron asking. However, I'm suspicious, and think that possibly the e-mails are sent in mass to multiple libraries in an attempt to sell more of a particular author's books.
Thanks,
Ann Tenglund
St. Bonaventure University Library
3261 West State Road
St. Bonaventure, NY 14778
ateng_at_sbu.edu<mailto:ateng_at_sbu.edu>
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Received on Fri Aug 08 2014 - 12:45:01 EDT