Literature of Acquisitions in Review, 1996–2003

Abstract

In this review, the authors discuss key trends in acquisitions found in the professional literature published from 1996 through 2003. During this period, technology surfaced as the primary factor affecting acquisitions policies and procedures. Advances in technology allowed vendors and libraries to select, order, and pay for materials via automated systems and the Internet. Such changes also allowed acquisition units to streamline many of their processes and improved efficiency. As the demand for electronic resources continued to grow, acquisition units frequently were restructured to meet the more complex acquisition process. Acquisitions librarians often were required to assume the responsibility for negotiating license agreements and establishing online access, and to handle the myriad issues required to manage electronic resources. The changes in technology were complex improvements to existing workflows; the addition of electronic resources management introduced significant new responsibilities to the acquisitions unit.