Publisher's Synopsis
New Automation Technology for Acquisitions and Collection Development describes how automation is changing the face of acquisitions as librarians know it and making the future uncertain yet exciting. It documents how libraries have increasingly moved to powerful, second-generation interfaceable or integrated systems that can control all aspects of library operations. The libraries presented as examples show that increasing user expectations, the siren call of cyberspace and network connectivity, and administrative faith in the savings to be obtained from electronic technical services continue to drive the migration to higher-level library management systems.
Editor Rosann Bazirjian brings together authors who focus on 5 major themes:
- the development of automated systems
- vended services
- automation and its effects on reorganization
- the purchasing of electronic resources
- the relationship between automated acquisitions and accounting
The chapters assert that for the acquisitions librarian, second-generation systems hold many promises--in addition to greater speed and functionality, acquisition data may be accessible to a wide user group. They stress the importance of the acquisitions librarian obtaining a system that serves all basic acquisition functions, ensuring maximum efficiency and effectiveness. Included are a description of the Joint Application Design (JAD) process and a developmental progression of serials automation. An overview of FastCat shows its impact on workflow in acquisitions and technical services. The book gives ways to evaluate vendor systems and shows the influence of vended services on acquisitions procedures and their benefits to the profession.
By reading New Automation Technology for Acquisitions and Collection Development, acquisitions librarians learn their role in purchasing and acquiring electronic resources and different ways of providing access to them. Suggested answers to selection, purchase, and access questions provide invaluable information. The book gives valuable financial insight, describing the interface between the library and university financial accounting systems, types of audits, the important aspects of standard accounting procedures, and the procedures for an audit trail in the automated acquisitions environment.
New Automation Technology for Acquisitions and Collection Development keeps acquisitions librarians up-to-date with the latest developments in their field. The book explores all areas of automation and examines the librarian's role in these times of change. It is a must read for librarians who need to know the latest developments in their field.
