This comprehensive book covers the philosophy behind RFPs to prime readers to understand how to most effectively write them and provides instruction on navigating the submission process as it applies to multiple types of libraries. For many years, only large academic and public libraries and a few library systems regularly used RFPs. Now, smaller schools, public libraries, and library systems use RFPs as tools to select vendors for computer equipment, online systems, databases, and materials. Library consortia frequently use RFPs to select databases and integrated library systems. In this useful book, readers will learn more about the types and advantages of RFPs; the timelines and logistics for submitting RFPs; how to write different types of RFPs; how to evaluate vendor performance; the transfer process when a new vendor is selected; vendor perspectives; and RFP ethics. An appendix includes sample RFPs and evaluation materials, and a glossary defines language necessary to writing and understanding RFPs. This book is essential reading for librarians who need to select vendors to provide library materials including books, serials, and media in all formats as well as for those who are choosing integrated library systems, security and inventory systems such as RFID, computer equipment and software, online and streaming materials such as books and music, or services such as digitization. Teaches readers how to acquire an appropriate product from a vendor at the lowest price Provides practical examples of questions to use in various RFPs as well as lessons learned Includes sample RFPs and evaluation materials Incorporates perspectives of librarians and vendors with experience in various aspects of the RFP process

Looking for tips on how to work towards your overall vision while remaining productive on the frontlines? The book gives you fresh ideas for balancing your managerial duties with day-to-day responsibilities in the academic library. A compilation of ideas from noted leaders in academic librarianship, this book explores a wealth of topics, including budgeting, human resources, facilities, collections, and IT. There is also helpful advice that will help you navigate emerging areas of librarianship, such as blended librarianship, cross-institutional collaboration, and marketing the library. You will learn how to manage, lead, and address specific library areas-all at once. Practical Strategies for Academic Library Managers: Leading with Vision through All Levels is ideal for current professionals with an expanded scope of responsibilities and those who have had administrative duties for some time, but are looking for new techniques for being a better manager. The book includes an introduction written by the editors, who are both associate deans in university libraries. Each chapter is written by a different expert in the field, providing a rich array of approaches and perspectives. Presents the first approach to managing, leading, and practicing simultaneously Incorporates chapters written by 10 different experts from organizations across the country Addresses the need for professionals with expanding management roles to engage higher administration Includes a foreword written by a former ALA president

Updated and enhanced, the second edition of this text provides both library students and practitioners with a thorough understanding of procedural and philosophical approaches in acquisitions management. Since the last edition of this text was published over a decade ago, library acquisitions practices have changed dramatically in response to economic and industry changes and the introduction and maturation of new technologies. An essential tool kit, this updated edition covers every aspect of current acquisitions management from organization of acquisitions departments to professional ethics. The step-by-step guide takes you through acquisitions department activities from the beginning of the ordering process through making materials available to the public. You'll learn about the latest acquisitions systems, negotiating bids and RFPs, gifts and exchange, and decisions of permanence. In addition, the book provides expert guidance on relationships with vendors as well as on the publishing industry in general. Key among the updates to this second edition is information about major changes that have occurred recently, including what's new in integrated library systems, electronic resource management, and patron- and demand-driven acquisitions. An appendix offers a wealth of resources on topics related to acquisitions and includes a comprehensive glossary. Incorporates thoroughly updated information that reflects today's fast-changing world of acquisitions management and addresses the changing landscape of publishing overall Highlights new web-based materials Takes an integrated approach to acquisitions functions and operations Serves as both a manual for practicing acquisitions librarians and support staff and as a textbook for students in library and information science programs

Building on proven methods of effective supervision, this book offers academic librarians a practical guide for the day-to-day challenges that arise in supervising student employees. The authors describe the roles of employees and supervisors and review general management principles. They then explain how to organize for student employment. Hiring, compensation, orientation and training, and supervision strategies are covered in addition to common problem areas, performance appraisal, employee/employer rights, corrective discipline, and termination procedures. A revision of Baldwin's Supervising Student Employees in Academic Libraries (Libraries Unlimited, 1991), this new work has been thoroughly updated. It contains a complete list of job descriptions and detailed information on funding. Answers to frequently asked questions and a glossary of financial aid terms conclude the book.

This comprehensive presentation of the Request for Proposal (RFP) process shows librarians how to successfully prepare RFPs when determining which vendors to use for purchasing library materials. Contending that the straight bid process, where only costs and discount rates are considered, does not offer the best options for libraries, the authors provide information on every facet of the RFP process--from philosophical and pragmatic reasons for writing an RFP to evaluation of responses and awarding of contracts to transferring titles and evaluation of vendor services and products. All of the material in this book can be transferred to any kind of RFP for any kind of library materials. Special features include chapters on the acquisition of specialized materials (e.g., science, technology, fine arts) and foreign materials, and specific information on electronic/automated services. Appendixes contain samples of the cover letter, questions for various sections and types of RFPs, and evaluation criteria