January 26, 2010
Library Materials Delivery Insights Provided in New Book
A new book published by the American Library Association (ALA), Moving Materials: Physical Delivery in Libraries, takes a look at how libraries currently move materials from one place to another, the processes and logistics involved and what changes and adjustments need to be made to ensure the efficient and cost effective movement of materials in the future.
Edited by Valerie Horton and Bruce Smith, the book includes contributions from a variety of information and library professionals, from those with a background in technology and consulting to directors of libraries and consortia to specialists in library logistics. BCR’s President and CEO, Brenda Bailey-Hainer, is co-author of two chapters – “Factors Influencing Delivery Options” and “Contractual Vendor Relations.”
In “Factors Influencing Delivery Options,” Bailey-Hainer and co-author Valerie Horton examine different types of delivery services, using data gleaned from a library physical delivery survey conducted in spring 2008 by Bailey-Hainer, Horton and colleagues Greg Pronevitz and Melissa Stockton. The survey was “designed to provide a snapshot into the current landscape of physical delivery for U.S. libraries.” (p. 13)
David Millikin and Bailey-Hainer collaborated on the chapter, “Contractual Vendor Relations,” an analysis of the processes involved in deciding whether to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) – or either of its cousins, the Request for Information (RFI) or Request for Quote (RFQ) – for contracting with an outside vendor to handle a library’s delivery needs. They discuss the elements of an RFP, the bidding process, writing the contract and negotiations, common elements of a contract and transportation-specific contract language.
The book is available for purchase through the American Library Association publications store.
