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

The theme of the 2011 Charleston Conference, the annual event that explores issues in book and serial acquisition, was "Something's Gotta Give." The conference, held November 2-5, 2011, in Charleston, SC, included 9 pre-meetings, more than 10 plenaries, and over 120 concurrent sessions. The theme reflected the increasing sense of strain felt by both libraries and publishers as troubling economic trends and rapid technological change challenge the information supply chain. What part of the system will buckle under this pressure? Who will be the winners and who will be the losers in this stressful environment?

The Charleston Conference continues to be a major event for information exchange among librarians, vendors, and publishers. As it begins its fourth decade, the Conference is one of the most popular international meetings for information professionals, with almost 1,500 delegates. Conference attendees continue to remark on the informative and thought-provoking sessions. The Conference provides a collegial atmosphere where librarians, vendors, and publishers talk freely and directly about issues facing libraries and information providers. In this volume, the organizers of the meeting are pleased to share some of the learning experiences that they--and other attendees--had at the conference.