The problems involved in standing orders for serial publications are illustrated through correspondence.

Briefly describes the problems encountered by libraries in attempting to purchase out-of-stock books and discusses some of the reasons for changes in the way publishers handle backlist materials, including sales volume and its relation to increased printing costs. (JL)

Because title changes of reprints cause specific problems for libraries, resulting in waste of time and money, 54 reprint publishers were polled about their policies regarding reprint title changes. The conclusions reached were: (1) The reprint publishing industry needs to reevaluate its practices, giving more consideration to the needs of…

The advantages and disadvantages for libraries of dealing with book wholesalers are discussed, with tips on unsavory practices and how to prevent them. (JPF)

Speed, fill rate, and discount are reasons why it is often preferable for libraries to order directly from publishers rather than through a distributor. Nevertheless, some publishers have decided not to accept orders from libraries and schools. This has had a deleterious effect on libraries and library collections. (MES)

Book purchase requests for 32 titles were sent simultaneously to four different wholesalers and the publishers of the titles. The efficiency of each supplier was evaluated in terms of the number of days required to supply books and the percentage of the actual charge against the list price. (Author/PF)

Explores the question of availability of children's books through interviews with publishers on current stocking policies and trends in backlisting and reissuing. Identifies sources of encouragement of trend to identify and reissue "old favorites." (SD)

A weary veteran from the acquisitions department describes an endless struggle. (Author)

Describes the problem of decreasing options in the publishing and distribution of wholesale books, and suggests ways in which libraries can deal with this problem. (CMV)

A study was done at the Purdue University Libraries to identify publishers of interest to Purdue, to characterize the subject areas by type of publisher after library selection, and to evaluate the performance of commercial and university presses. The majority of the document consists of tabular compilations of the data collected in the study. The…

To help librarians better understand the library acquisitions market-place, Scott Bullard defines 16 terms that publishers and booksellers frequently use. C. Edward Wall discusses the factors that make remainder books profitable for librarians with stretched budgets; gives names, addresses, and specialties of five remainder book firms; and…

Discusses the emergence of small presses as viable competitors in the publishing industry as a result of their growing use of trade associations, distributors, and wholesalers geared towards their particular needs. Through these intermediaries, small press offerings are entering the library market in increasing numbers. A sidebar presents contact…

Describes the services offered to librarians by book vendors and addresses the effects of increasing costs and decreasing funds on library acquisitions and publishers as well as on vendors. The costs of ordering and processing library materials are discussed, and labor-saving devices in acquisitions are suggested. (LRW)

Outlines a method for producing book output and cost statistics. (PF)