A key word in context index to the library's on-order file and payment for material by means of "blank check" are two very successful ways of cutting staff costs and increasing efficiency. (Author)

Advice to neophyte librarians on dealing with purchasing agents. (MF)

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

This issue on current options in the area of machine-readable cataloging and retrospective conversion highlights generation and use of machine-readable bibliographic records, editing, standards, online and batch access, keying and coding, full-service cataloging and conversion, interlibrary loan, and authority control. Profiles of 22…

A talk given at an ALA preconference on "New Dimensions in Acquisitions (Atlantic City, July, 1969). A plea is made for the U.S. publishing industry to speed up the adoption of Standard Book Numbers (SBN) to be assigned to all books in print as well as all books published in the future. Standardized customer numbers are also advocated, and…

A system of ordering library materials efficiently, quickly and at low cost is presented. The procedure bypasses purchasing departments and helps reduce acquisitions time by authorizing direct ordering by the library. Forms and procedures used are discussed. (1 reference) (DH)

Evaluations of out-of-print book dealers supplying the California State University, Northridge, library show that most titles are received within nine months from the date of the list. This article suggests that academic libraries should establish purchasing standards and discloses methods of locating books that dealers consider most effective. (1…

This investigation based upon a survey of 26 American and West European booksellers attemts to provide some basic information about foreign blanket orders. The characteristics of foreign blanket orders as well as the attitudes of the booksellers are summarized. (Author)

Develops guidelines for selecting and ordering microforms, including warnings regarding microform ripoffs. Literature and techniques for evaluating microforms are discussed. (Author/JAB)

The 1980s offer libraries numerous automated acquisitions alternatives, including turnkey systems from circulation system vendors and the acquisition subsystems of the bibliographic utilities. Integration of systems from several sources poses the principal problem. (Author/RAA)

Presents an overview of automated library acquisitions with emphasis on vendor developed systems. The article provides definitions, a description of an ideal system, a selection procedure for optimal purchasing decisions, and predictions for the future. An evaluation sheet and checklist are included. (RAA)

In the purchase of books from foreign countries, the basic problem with regard to currency is to decide which currency will be used in these transactions, and how to reach agreement with vendors on this point. (11 references) (Author)

Suggests that a less rigid traditional approach towards automating acquisitions functions might be more cost effective. Thorough investigation of available alternatives should precede a decision to adopt or maintain a local system. (Author/RAA)

This study of the use of book approval plans in academic library acquisition programs was undertaken (1) to try to determine the state of the art and degree of acceptance, and (2) to compare Purdue's experience with that reported by others. Investigators were an acquisitions librarian, an academic librarian, and a vendor's representative. A…

Discusses number and type of microcomputer software programs useful to libraries and types of hardware on which they run, as identified by Nolan Information Management Services. Highlights include general application programs, applications designed to support library technical processes, producers of library software, and choosing among options.…