Managing Acquisitions in Library and Information Services (2nd rev. ed)

Citation

Gupta, D.K. (2006), "Managing Acquisitions in Library and Information Services (2nd rev. ed)", Library Management, Vol. 27 No. 9, pp. 662-663. https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120610715608

Acquisition is the primary task in managing library and information centers “Acquisition forms a vital link in the cycle of publishing, selection, request and providing materials for use” says the book in the introduction (p. 1). The book first published in the title “Buying books in libraries” in 1989 and the second edition was published in 2001, which comes into revision in 2004.

The book concentrates on the management of acquisition processes in library and information services set up, mainly concentrating academic libraries. It offers a logical pathway along the route of acquisitions, passing by pre‐order checking, publishing, information on non‐standard materials, choosing, using and evaluating suppliers, ordering in its many guises, claiming, receiving, and paying. The important processes have been covered in 10 chapters.

The first chapter is customary one mainly talks about the value of book, its coverage and arrangement of thoughts in the text. Apart from traditional ways of receiving requests, checking records for avoiding duplication, it is important to utilize newer media to ensure update collection, mainly bibliographical databases are useful, but the choice of access and ownership is a vital issue while making choice of selection as a way forward to acquisition. A close partnership with the publishers become essential and full information about publisher, products, market, becomes essential for making a good selection. The chapters two and three address such concerns.

The fourth chapter mainly deals with the acquiring of non‐book material, such as micro form, audio‐cassettes, video, film, music CDs, CD‐ROMs, DVDs, software, databases and evolving e‐books. Also discusses about the publications in series, conference proceedings, other languages materials, government publications, etc. There is always a need for a cautious decision for the purchase when the material is available in print and other newer media. Similarly, a choice of use in single network or multiple networks must be considered while selecting databases. The selection of appropriate suppliers for supplying such material becomes important, discussed in the fifth chapter.

The next three chapters deal with ordering process. Apart from routine orders, many times libraries make urgent orders, send direct orders to the publishers, make standing orders for some important books and journals, etc. Some material is also made available on approval basis, trail basis access to databases and out‐of‐print publications, remainder titles materials receive on donations or exchange basis, all these require special attention and documentation with the different parties. Finally, supplies are made and matters relating to checking of invoices, physical conditions, time line, recording, accessioning and orders for pass for payment, are routine activities in acquisition department. The next chapter deals with finance and budgets which are part of acquisition work, basically include budgeting, payment of invoices, and record keeping. The last chapter gives a view over the changing nature of libraries, information resources and future outlook of acquisition and its processes. Chapter‐wise list of further readings and references has been given at the end. A list of abbreviations has also been annexed.

The book is a welcome addition in the literature on acquisition management in libraries, a very handy and useful book for the working librarians. It is a step‐by‐step manual written in an easy to understand fashion.