Description:
As we see the collapse and consolidation of the print book purchasing marketplace with the departure of ProQuest’s Oasis and Rialto as print book purchasing platforms for academic libraries, a healthy, sustainable vendor marketplace also includes working with small and local businesses that may not be traditionally thought of as library vendors. Local, independent bookstores can serve as a viable option for filling unique collection needs and gaps. Beginning in 2022, the University of Colorado Boulder began piloting working with local, independent bookstores to fill gaps in the collection. These pilots have focused on creating approval plan-like collections with the bookstores that leverage subject-matter and collection specific expertise that local, independent bookstores may offer. We have sought to partner with bookstores that offer specific, niche expertise, particularly related to stories, authors, and topics from underrepresented communities. However, working with local, independent bookstores has not been without challenges and adaptation, due to differences in customer bases and populations served, as well as infrastructure and staffing difference between a bookstore and a typical library vendor. Some of the differences include the jargon and ways in which libraries talk about purchasing differs from that of bookstores, and learning to communicate with bookstores in a way that mirrors practices within libraries, without using library jargon. Logistical challenges include how to minimize and eliminate duplication of purchasing from multiple vendors. Challenges for libraries include lack of value added services such as cataloging records and shelf-ready services, as well as considerations of local procurement policies and guidelines.This presentation will also invite participants to consider their own collections gaps and investigate local bookstores in their region that might be able to provide expertise to fill such gaps.Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the webinar, attendees will be able to:- How to identify collection areas to consider purchasing from non-library vendors.
- Best practices for engaging and working with local, independent bookstores
- How to consider building a healthy, sustainable vendor base beyond traditional library vendors.
Who Should Attend: Collection Development and Acquisitions librarians interested in working with local independent bookstore to build collections
Presenters:
Arthur Aguilera is an Assistant Professor and Head of Collection Development and Assessment at the University of Colorado Boulder Libraries
Amanda Rybin Koob is an Assistant Professor and the Literature and Humanities Librarian at the University of Colorado Boulder Libraries
Tech Requirements
Core Webinars are held in Zoom. Speakers or a headset for listening to the presentation are required. You may interact with the presenter and ask questions through text-based chat. Closed captioning is available in the Zoom platform. The webcast will be recorded and the link to the recording shared with registrants shortly after the live event.
