AcquisitionS

Generally, once a list of items has been selected and approved by a teacher librarian, those items will have to be ordered and purchased through a vendor and then received by the school for processing. This is the acquisition stage. Below you will find resources on some aspects of acquisitions.

Because most school libraries have only a single school librarian, that individual is responsible for creating a collection to support instruction, literacy, and students’ recreational reading. Materials selection policies generally mandate that the library professional seek input from teachers, other professional staff, and students. School librarians are also responsible for weeding or de-selecting collection materials following policy guidelines as well as making a decision as to whether gift items will be accepted.

Example: School Library Acquisitions Procedures

• In selecting learning resources, professional personnel will evaluate available resources and curriculum needs and will consult reputable, professionally prepared aids to selection, and other appropriate sources. The actual resource will be examined whenever possible.

• Recommendations for purchase involve administrators, teachers, students, district personnel, and community members, as appropriate.

• Gift materials shall be judged by the selection criteria and shall be accepted or rejected by those criteria.

• Selection is an ongoing process that should include removing materials that are no longer used or needed, adding materials, and replacing lost and worn materials that still have educational value.

(from the American Library Association [ALA] Acquisitions Procedures webpage)

Each library and school will have their own processes for the purchasing of materials and hopefully these processes are documented. Your role might include receiving those items for processing. Once the items are received, make sure they match the packing list titles and quantities, and that they are in good condition. Next will come whatever processing procedures your library has in place.

The purchase of items will be made through vendors that have been approved by your school or district. Listed below are some potential vendors that your school or district may use.

Common book vendors:

• Print and digital

  • Baker & Taylor

  • Follet

  • Mackin

• Print only

  • Bound to Stay Bound Books

  • Perma-Bound

• Digital only

  • bibliotheca (cloudLibrary)

  • OverDrive (Sora)

List of library technology vendors (including integrated library systems) from ALA

List of library vendors and service suppliers from ALA