Organizing out-of-print and replacement acquisitions for effectiveness,efficiency, and the future

The authors recommend centralization within an acquisitions department of all aspects of out-of-print (OP) work: searching, “photo ordering,” and acquiring commercially available microformats and reprints—for new acquisitions and replacements of monographs and serials, and for collection development and preservation. Centralized organization affords flexibility for surges and decreases in workload, concentrates and reinforces staff knowledge and their ability to make informed decisions and recommendations, guarantees consistent adherence to copyright regulations, and promotes timely and pragmatic choices among acquisition methods and sources of supply.This article traces the theory and history behind centralization of OP functions, using the Photo/Search Division at the University of California, Berkeley, Library as a case study. In each type of OP work, the decision-making processes are discussed, with emphasis on how the different options for OP acquisitions are interdependent. The concepts used to determining the best method of OP acquisition, and the best source of supply within each method, including applicable copyright considerations, are described in general terms—adaptable to other libraries. The conclusion discusses the outlook for OP work in the future. Appendix of OP tools and sources for OP dealers and services.