LIBRARY ACQUISITIONS EXPERT DETAILS IMPROVED WAYS TO MEET USERS’ NEED FOR AN EXPANDING ARRAY OF FORMATS
January 13th, 2010January
14, 2010 (New York, NY)- Library collections have undergone a drastic shift in composition. As traditional paper-based information sources succumb to new electronic formats, the mission of acquisitions must shift in focus from “acquiring items” to “connecting with content.” Acquisitions in the New Information Universe, to be published by Neal-Schuman on March 10, 2010, presents both new and experienced acquisitions professionals with a practical guide to integrating fundamental acquisitions concepts with contemporary practices to ensure today’s users
have access to the content they need. Expert author Jesse Holden, a leading authority and course instructor
for “Fundamentals of Acquisitions” and “Fundamentals of Electronic Resource Acquisitions” offered by the Association for Library Collections and Technical Services (ALCTS), divides the book into five chapters.
He begins with a thorough introduction to acquisitions’ dynamic role within the context of an increasingly electronic information environment, and also provides a practical model to frame contemporary acquisitions
functions. He then shifts focus to access, and guides readers on how to adopt a strategic approach to working with content, ordering, receiving, and approval plans. Holden explains the broadening “spheres of access”
as they extend beyond physical materials and apply to all of the content available to the library, regardless of format. Next, Holden addresses the differences between items and formats, working with vendors, and assuring
content-user connectivity. In this part he also points to the numerous paths available to the contemporary acquisitions professional, including e-books, online acquisitions, archives, and free content.
Acquisitions in the New Information Universe then covers service and feedback, and discusses The Integrated Library System, The Electronic Resource Management System, and other key mechanisms and service
cycles. The book concludes with a look ahead to a possible future of acquisitions shaped by forward-looking, user-centered strategies and practice. Illustrations and charts throughout the book help readers understand key concepts and effectively implement a contemporary acquisitions model in their individual institutions.
Acquisitions in the New Information Universe is a valuable tool that presents professionals and LIS students with the essential strategic approaches they’ll need to overcome emerging challenges in the field and successfully practice acquisitions in the twenty-first century information environment.
Acquisitions in the New Information Universe
ISBN: 978-1-55570-696-8 . 2010. 6×9. 150pp. $75.00.
About the Author
Jesse Holden is the Coordinator of Technical Services at Millersville University in Pennsylvania. He is an
instructor for the ALC TS online courses “Fundamentals of Acquisitions” and “Fundamentals of Electronic Resource
Acquisitions.” He is editor of the column “Acquisitions Archaeology,” which is featured in the journal Against the Grain. He earned his M.L.I.S. degree from San Jose State University.
About Neal-Schuman Publishers
Neal-Schuman Publishers is a leading publisher of professional books for librarians, archivists and knowledge
managers. Founded in 1976, Neal- Schuman Publishers is based in New York City, with offices in London, UK.
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