PBA: Percentage Based Allocation for acquisitions: A simplified method for the allocation of the library materials budget

A simplified approach to the allocation of the library materials budget is proposed that is based on the formula allocations to universities by their fiscal governing bodies. Theoretically, this approach reflects most of the elements of previously proposed formulas, although in an indirect way. The validity of this method is discussed in the context of certain assumptions, along with its advantages and disadvantages. This method would be most applicable where audiovisual materials and books are combined in one budget, such as in a community college or learning resource center.     

Linear goal programming for academic library acquisitions allocations

The allocation of an academic library's acquisitions funds should contribute to the achievement of the library's goals and objectives. The availability of diverse materials and the varying demands of user needs in a variety of subject disciplines may represent a set of conflicting, incommensurate goals. Lexicographic linear goal programming offers an appropriate allocation methodology for determining an optimal solution with conflicting goals. This article applies this methodology to 90 funds representing books and periodicals in 45 subject disciplines at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT). The model's goals incorporate several categories of budget constraints and user needs. The application of this formula resulted in the successful distribution of $3.5 million while taking into consideration ten goals or variables ranging from circulation to number of faculty and students. It also builds in accommodations for political factors and pressures, a unique feature in allocation formulas.     

The case for acquisitions standards in the integrated library system

Acquisitions metadata within current library integrated systems is not based on any standard; rather, systems vendors generally define structure and content according to proprietary approaches. The authors argue that this cripples library acquisitions practitioners and managers in numerous ways. It renders routine tasks more difficult, jeopardizes the integrity of data during system migration, forces adoption of costly external tracking solutions, and hinders efforts to manage collections and budgets. The authors define acquisitions standards and relate them to existing bibliographic and e-commerce protocols. They discuss reasons for the lack of acquisitions standards and outline first steps in a project to develop them. This paper is based on a presentation given at the Acquisitions Institute at Timberline Lodge, Fourth Annual Conference, held 17-20 May 2003.     

Standing orders: considerations for acquisitions method

Even though a substantial amount of the library materials budget may be allocated for standing orders, this method of acquisition is frequently not given the same attention as those used for traditional monographs and serials. This article describes some of the differences in standing order material, including their shared characteristics with both monographs and serials. It also reviews factors that make some standing orders a good candidate for an approval plan. The article also enumerates some considerations in vendor selection decisions, regardless of which acquisitions method is used. The author concludes that it is definitely time to assess how these materials are acquired and which type of vendor is used and to make decisions that extend our purchasing power.     

Collection development and acquisitions for library services to students of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University

This paper provides background information on Thailand's Thammathirat Open University (STOU) and summarizes the main services provided to STOU students. It then examines library and educational media services and gives special attention to acquisitions policies and procedures as well as to budgeting. Finally, particular problems and possible solutions are considered.     

Toward a new world order: A survey of outsourcing capabilities of vendors for acquisitions,cataloging and collection development services

A survey of selected library materials jobbers, cataloging agents, and library consortia shows that communication standards, vendor and library automation, and new partnerships among vendors and libraries are leading to greater opportunities for outsourcing acquisitions, cataloging, and collection development. Currently libraries can depend on vendors for preorder searching, verification, and claiming functions as well as copy and original cataloging. Libraries can receive shelf-ready materials from jobbers or cataloging agents; those that collect mainstream materials have the most options; others must shop among vendors. Collection development is the function least changed by automation, but materials jobbers are orienting more electronic services towards this area. Librarians should become full partners in the development of contract services. To do this, librarians must understand the evolving roles of the traditional partners and the costs and risks involved.