Page 225 - DLIS003_LIBRARY ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT

Library Administration and Management

Notes Catalogues and bibliographies.
National bibliographies.
Subject bibliographies.

Current reviews.
Special lists that give data on books recommended or booksellers, or core publications in
a particular area or discipline.

Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks:
3. ………………. is a task or activity that is required on a continuous basis for the management
of all activities in an organization, including libraries and information systems.
4. In …………. method, every book list of finally selected items is circulated among a number
of booksellers who are invited to quote their lowest prices for each item.
5. Purchasing from the book fairs and buying from any bookseller from the open market
comes under ………………… method.
12.3 Ordering Procedure

Following section provides information about the ordering procedure for periodicals in a library.

12.3.1 Methods of Ordering Periodicals

Two different methods are available for ordering of periodicals. They are the direct subscription
method and the agency method. In the former case, the library places orders directly with the
publishers of each periodical. In the latter case, the order is placed with an agent who acts as the
intermediary between the library and the publishers. Each of these has its own merits and
demerits. These are examined below:

Direct Subscription Method

There are several reasons why libraries resort to direct ordering of periodicals with the publisher:
It is speedier than channelising orders through agents.

It is more economical since the library will not have to pay service charges to agents.
In some cases, the publishers may even offer incentive discounts to libraries. The agents
do not offer such benefits.
It is more efficient since the periodicals are more promptly delivered to the library by the
publishers than the agent. Mistakes in supply, if any, when pointed out, are immediately
rectified by the publishers.
It is less risky and safer to pay advance subscription to the publishers than entrusting large
amounts to the agent.

There are some publishers who may not be willing to work through agents unless the
agent in question has established business connections with the publishers.

Many government and institutional publications are available only as gift or for
exchange. Agents do not deal with these categories of publications.

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