ACQUISITIONS
	Marla Schwartz American University mschwar@american.edu

This month we belatedly bring you the minutes of the Acquisitions Committee and the Acquisitions Roundtable meetings of July 1999, with thanks to Cynthia Aninao for recording both meetings. In looking over minutes of some past meetings, I see that some of these issues never go away and will no doubt continue to be discussed at future meetings. It is worth noting that of the program proposals mentioned below, the workshop on Electronic Licensing Agreements will be held in Philadelphia. Another program to look forward to in Philadelphia is Acquisition and Control of Electronic Legal Resources in the 21st Century.

Acquisitions Committee Meeting, July 19, 1999

In attendance: Carmen Brigandi, Cynthia Aninao, Ajaye Bloomstone, Mary Ertl, Dick Vaughan, Jo-Anne Giammattei, Cecily Giardina, Mary McKee, Sandy Sadow, Ann Kolodzey, Lisa Arm, Bonnie Geldmacher, Erica McKessy, Theodora Artz, Jo Ann Hounshell, Jim Mumm, Nancy Westcott, Karen Douglas, Mary Miller, Rob Richards, H.C. Singh.

Carmen Brigandi, the current Acquisitions Committee chairperson, called the meeting to order and introductions were made around the table.

The Committee’s Program submitted for this year’s meeting, Collection Development for Electronic Materials, will be held from 1:30 to 2:45 with Carmen moderating.

Legal Publishers’ List and Collection Development List on the Web – Rob Richards reported that use of the Publishers List is growing and more independent publishers are requesting to be added. The Collection Development List is used less often and still needs more contributors. Thanks to Rob for all his fine work.

Programs & Workshops for Philadelphia 2000 Meeting - Suggestions included an Acquisitions Workshop; the changing role of the acquisitions librarian with new technology; jobbers; practical tips for migrating to a new integrated online library system; cancellations; managing collections in “flush year” budgets; licensing. The group decided to formulate a proposal for a workshop on licensing. Suggested aspects to discuss: phraseology, law of licensing, negotiation, assessing institution’s needs, consortial agreements, monitoring compliance, practical exercise with a license. Speakers from the SLA and ALA licensing workshops were also suggested. If a workshop format is not accepted by the Annual Meeting Program Selection Committee (AMPSC), then a program will be submitted. A task force will formulate a proposal right after this meeting--Lisa Arm, Ajaye Bloomstone, Carmen Brigandi, JoAnn Hounshell, Mary McKee, and Jim Mumm. Lisa will talk to Anne Myers, her co-worker and AMPSC member, about the feasibility for this program.

CRIV Best Practices Committee - Teddy Artz will check with Elizabeth Edinger about any plans for this group. The Acquisitions Committee would like to work with CRIV on this.

Technical Services Law Librarian Acquisitions Column - Thanks to Jo Ann Hounshell and Marla Schwartz for their fine work. They will continue for 1999-2000.

Acquisitions Committee Chair - Carmen will continue for 1999-2000. However, the group was asked to start thinking about a new chair for 2000-2001.

LAWACQ - Cynthia Aninao will ask the University of Cincinnati Law Library systems staff if there is a way LAWACQ members can post messages directly to the list instead of going through her email address.

Profiling for Legal Titles - Ajaye Bloomstone asked if there is a way to profile using RLG’s four levels: minimal, basic, instructional support, and research. The group suggested that the major jobbers--Midwest Library Service, Yankee Book Peddler, Blackwell--might be able to do this.

AALL Price Index - Dick Vaughn reported he is part of a group charged to give recommendations on the next edition. He will get input through LAWACQ.

AS Pratt and Butterworth Tolley - there were general comments and frustrations shared. A good contact at Butterworth is Clara Busbridge. These tips are good to share on LAWACQ.

Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia Aninao, Recorder

Acquisitions Roundtable
July 20, 1999 held from 5 to 6 pm

In attendance: Jim Mumm, Cynthia Aninao, Becky Lutkenhaus, Mary Ertl, Corinne Jacox, Ajaye Bloomstone, Elaine Moore, Mary Lou Corbett, Lorna Tang, Margaret Cianfarini, Stephanie Edwards, Jeannine Uppgard, Ismael Gullon, Melodie Frances, H.C.Singh, Clement Lau, Kent Milunovich, Gretchen Wolf, Maria Cap, Jo-Anne Giammattei, Lisa Arm, Mary McKee, Suzanne Kaufman, Erica McKessy, Patty Horvath, Sandy Sadow, Carmen Brigandi, Richard Vaughan, Needra Jackson, Claudia Dansby.

Jo-Anne Giammettei called the group to order and introductions were made around the table.

A.S. Pratt - complaints were numerous including price increases of 150% resulting from the company’s conversion to subscription base and lousy binders. It was suggested that everyone review their subscriptions and cancel to send a message of non-approval to the company. Carmen Brigandi, Acquisitions Committee Chairperson, will contact Christine Graesser of CRIV about Pratt.

West Group - one rep for accounts and one rep for sales would be ideal; PO numbers can be printed on the monthly statement by faxing your list to Mary Ellen Marlowe, Head of Customer Service; other suggestions can be sent to Anne Ellis, Director of Library Relations, (651-687-5019), (fax 651-687-5614); a standing order for all student hornbooks is available. There are rumors that West is considering a new accounting system.

CIS Congressional Universe - one member noted that her law library’s cost was much higher than the main library at her university. Subscription through a consortia may be available through INCOLSA, or other regional networks.

Electronic Acquisitions - one member related her experience of not being informed by the reference staff when a new electronic product was obtained by them. This is another indication of the need to work closer with other library staff with new technology.

Ambassador Books - members were cautioned about calls from a former Aspen Law and Business employee offering to handle their Aspen orders.

Aspen Law And Business - complaints included disproportionately high shipping charges, duplicate shipments, and accidental cancellations. A 10% discount may be obtained, depending on the sales rep.

Collection Notices - some members reported that Aspen, RIA, and Lexis were sending collection notices even though libraries were sending payments. Sometimes the monies are not applied correctly to accounts. Other times, the problem can be with a university accounts payable office.

Procurement Cards - many members are successfully using credit cards for prepayments. A problem may occur with backorders, which are oftentimes ordered the previous fiscal year.

Online Ordering - many prefer to order from legal publishers on their Web sites. However, sales reps do not get commissions from these orders. Sometimes going through a rep can result in a discount.

Duchemin - the email address of this French publisher was requested. Margaret Cianfarini of Harvard will share her contact information.

Bureau Of National Affairs - this looseleaf publisher was praised for its customer service.

Serials Acquisitions - many use Hein for their law serials in conjunction with Faxon or Ebsco. Hein’s periodicals department was highly praised for its service. The few problems which occurred when Hein bought Rothman are being resolved. It is cheaper to buy newspapers and popular magazines direct than going through a serials vendor.

Butterworth Tolley - a good rep to contact is Clara Busbridge. Carmen will send her contact information to the group.

Acquisitions Committee Program - the group was reminded to attend Collection Development Policies for Electronic Products moderated by Carmen Brigandi.