The Monographic Series Approval Plan: An Attempt to Refine Purchasing of Books in Series

Abstract

Librarians often place standing orders for monographic series in order to ensure complete holdings. This can result in the acquisition of inappropriate materials. It is possible to include hooks in series on a comprehensive approval plan that will permit return rights and still obtain a higher discount. However, some books might not fit the institution’s profile and thus will not be supplied. Some control of the series is also lost. A third alternative is presented here: an approval plan limited to monographic series.