Publisher's Synopsis
As critical as it may be to library success, the acquisitions process is probably still the least understood in any library organization. Acquisitions encompasses a number of different activities that may seem to be the domain of almost every other section in the library. It's no surprise that managing a function that is such an anomaly presents a unique challenge.;Effective acquisitions is crucial to any library's fiscal viability and to providing information access to patrons. Acquisitions is also where the library interacts directly with the business world. Therefore, librarians must learn to work with publishers, vendors and other businesses. Acquisitions employees have far reaching effects on the organization an are among those few staff who must continually ensure fiscal accountability along with the ability to procure materials on time.;This expanded and enhanced edition of "Understanding the Business of Library Acquisitions" provides all new information on successfully managing acquisitions through optimum staffing, sound acquisitions practices, and effective organization. In addition to a new chapter on acquisitions in the electronic environment, many chapters have been updated to reflect emphasis on technology used in acquisitions. Topics include: the impact of electronics on communications between libraries and vendors; acquisitions personnel management, organization and staffing; outsourcing and licensing; and acquiring electronic resources.;The contributors to this second edition represent a wide range of expertise and experience among libraries, publishers and vendors, and the book aims to provide all the information needed for managing and performing acquisitions in an electronic era.
