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Journal of Library Automation

ISSN 0022-2240

Volume 13, Number 3, September 1980

'Automated Acquisitions Systems'
Papers Presented at the LITA Institute-Part I

Introduction to the Institute
GEORGE L. ABBOTT

Automated Acquisitions Systems: Keynote Address
RICHARD W. BOSS

Local Systems: Design and Costs
CYNTHIA I. GOZZI

Vendor Systems and On-Line Ordering
KENNETH J. BIERMAN

The Role of the Network in Automated Acquisitions
MARY A. MADDEN

Financial Reporting and Vendor Performance: A Case Study
JANET UDEN

Communications

Personal Microcomputers in the Library Environment
FREDERICK J. RAITHEL

The MARC Formats: Their Use, Standardization, and Evolution
JAMES E. RUSH

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'Automated Acquisitions Systems'
Papers Presented at the LITA Institute ­ Part I (p.155-195)

Introduction to the Institute (p.155-156)
GEORGE L. ABBOTT

(no abstract available)

Automated Acquisitions Systems: Keynote Address (p.156-164)
RICHARD W. BOSS

Librarians should be aware of the rapid progress being made toward integrated systems and make the acquisitions automation decision in that light. The mid-1960s and the beginning of the 1980s are contrasted, both in terms of technology and needs of libraries. In the mid-1960s emphasis was on ordering, and technology was limited both in terms of costs and capabilities. At the beginning of the 1980s libraries have numerous acquisitions alternatives available, including turnkey systems from some circulation system vendors and the acquisitions subsystems of the bibliographic utilities. It is unlikely that a single source will offer a library the most suitable features for each function, and the problem becomes one of integrating systems from several different sources.

Local Systems: Design and Costs (p.164-169)
CYNTHIA I. GOZZI

A local approach to the automation of acquisitions processes was, until comparatively recently, the only alternative available. Guidelines for the design process are well documented; costs are not. Several pitfalls to a purely local approach are investigated and alternatives are enumerated. Trends such as the increasing importance of interface with national or other local systems are explored, as well as the greater demands for managerial data. It is suggested that a less rigid, traditional approach towards automating acquisitions functions might be more effective and that a thorough investigation of available alternatives should precede a decision to adopt or maintain a totally local approach.

Vendor Systems and On-Line Ordering (p.170-181)
KENNETH J. BIERMAN

A brief historical overview of the development of automated library acquisitions systems, with emphasis on vendor-developed systems, is presented from the 1960s to 1980. Working definitions for on-line ordering systems and on-line acquisitions systems are developed. An "ideal" on-line acquisitions system is described; the model developed is not actually available in 1980 but portions of it are in place. A strategy for selecting the best system for a particular library situation is presented. Finally, predictions about the future of vendor-supplied library acquisitions systems over the next five years (1980-84) are made. An evaluation sheet and a checklist are provided as appendixes to aid library decision makers in evaluating and selecting an automated acquisitions system based on features, services, and costs.

The Role of the Network in Automated Acquisitions (p.181-185)
MARY A. MADDEN

Networks, the not-for-profit bibliographic utilities, are examined to assess why they offer or plan to offer acquisitions services, what significant contributions they can make, and the advantages and disadvantages of network acquisitions systems for individual libraries. Networks can make a significant contribution because cataloging and acquisitions functions are complementary in nature. Building upon software and data files already developed for cataloging, the network can provide both acquisitions and in-process control over materials, thus allowing a library to operate more efficiently with improved internal controls. As a network system will display member holdings, cooperative acquisitions and interlibrary loan will also be facilitated.

Financial Reporting and Vendor Performance: A Case Study (p.185-195)
JANET UDEN

Reports generated through the on-line acquisitions system, BOS (Book Order System), developed at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, are described. A series of reports record monthly activity, showing titles ordered, received, canceled, reordered, and funds involved; use of funds by subject and type of publication; and performance of book jobbers.

Communications

Personal Microcomputers in the Library Environment (p.196-197)
FREDERICK J. RAITHEL

(no abstract available)

The MARC Formats: Their Use, Standardization, and Evolution (p.197-199)
JAMES E. RUSH

(no abstract available)

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