Case Study

Collection Development Streamlined at Kalamazoo Valley Community College Libraries

Interview conducted with Jackie Zito, Acquisitions Supervisor

“Alibris for Libraries is an excellent resource for recently published titles that our primary vendor shows as out of stock or not available. This can happen frequently, even with titles that are just three years old. If we have 100 requests and 30 of the titles are not in stock or not available from our primary vendor, going right to Alibris is the most efficient way to get what we need.

“We've used Alibris for Libraries for various types of materials, including some foreign language titles, DVDs, and CDs. Alibris is our first choice for used books—we've had a lot of success finding exact replacements for the titles and editions we need. We appreciate the large number of suppliers represented through the Alibris website, item condition information, and the seller reliability rating system. In many cases we are willing to pay more for an item to get it from a seller with a higher rating.

“We're a two-person department handling requests from faculty, librarians, staff, and students so saving time is important. Alibris for Libraries makes it easy for us to order. We can use a purchase order instead of a credit card and receive invoices. The free shipping is also a real plus. These types of library services make us much more likely to use Alibris than any other online book retailer.

“Alibris for Libraries is incredibly efficient and error free. We are continually replacing lost books or weeding out old materials. With Alibris' easy to use website and large network of sellers, we find what we need and receive delivery quickly.”

At Alibris for Libraries, we understand the unique needs of library acquisitions departments and collection-development specialists. Since 1998, we've worked with libraries to help them find and acquire the titles they need. Today, more than 5,000 libraries use Alibris for Libraries as a primary source for out-of-print titles, older in-print titles, and large replacement and collection-development projects—as well as a source for unfilled and canceled firm orders.

Because we accept library purchase orders, guarantee the condition of each book, offer easy returns, and support your account with comprehensive and personal customer service, you can select and order books with confidence. http://library.alibris.com