Page 168 - DLIS003_LIBRARY ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT

Unit 9: Acquisition Section

(6) Standing Order: Certain books called as Series books, Multi-volumed books, Notes
Instalment books, and Subscription books are not published simultaneously but are
published over a period of time in different years. Hence, individual libraries resort
to the practice of placing “standing orders” so that the library receives the books as
and when they are published without any loss of time. This procedure eliminates
(1) the need for watching out for publication announcements; and (2) correspondence
with publishers/booksellers.

(7) Books-on-approval: In an effort to improve their business, it is a practice among
publishers and booksellers to send books-on-approval to libraries for selection and
ordering. Alternatively, the librarian and/or the users visit book fairs, book shops
and bring books on approval. These books on approval are then scrutinized by a
committee for their relevance and those selected are ordered for by the library
concerned. This has the advantage that the library can peruse the book before ordering.
Any ambiguity that may exist in the title can be verified by going through the
contents of the book. In other words, the chances of selecting irrelevant books are
reduced. But one disadvantage may be that books sent an approval may be those
remaining unsold.
(8) Open Purchases: Once the library has decided about the terms and conditions of
supply like trade discounts (say 10% on books) and conversion rates in relation to
foreign currencies (like the recommendations of the Good Office Committee), open
purchase is possible from any bookseller. Open purchases are becoming common
now-a-days.

Example: Book Fairs whether in Pragati Maidan at New Delhi or elsewhere are good
examples where open purchases are made by librarians.
(iv) Institutional Membership: Institutional membership is another potential resource in
collecting documents. The library may enlist itself as member of learned societies and
institutions who publish useful materials.
Often the membership subscription may cover the right to receive their publications
either free of cost or at concessional prices.
(v) Deposit System: The deposit system entitles some specially designated libraries to receive
free copies of the publications brought out by governments, national and international
organizations, etc. There are many university libraries and state central libraries enjoying
these benefits. There are also the national and state legal libraries designated to receive
free copies of all publications originated in India, either under the provisions of the
Copyright Act or the Delivery of Books and Newspapers (Public Libraries) Act, 1956. In all
these cases the recipient library should be continuously on the alert about the new titles
and their timely receipt.

Terms and Conditions of Supply

The choice of the supplier is mainly governed by considerations of the maximum advantage to
the library. Three major items are there in the terms of supply, namely,
Trade discounts

Conversion rates of currencies, and
Other conditions of supply

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