The Massachusetts Library System is pleased to announce that we have contracted with ALA to provide our members with access to their live webinars.  These webinars are free to MLS members who register through our calendar.  Please do not register directly with ALA. Members who register directly with ALA are responsible for paying their registration fee. 

Please help us keep MLS sponsored training free for all members. If you are unable to attend the live webinar, please cancel your registration by contacting Sarah Donnelly at sdonnelly@masslibsystem.org. 

Description

As we see the collapse and consolidation of the print book purchasing marketplace with the departure of ProQuest’s Oasis and Rialto as print book purchasing platforms for academic libraries, a healthy, sustainable vendor marketplace also includes working with small and local businesses that may not be traditionally thought of as library vendors. Local, independent bookstores can serve as a viable option for filling unique collection needs and gaps. Beginning in 2022, the University of Colorado Boulder began piloting working with local, independent bookstores to fill gaps in the collection. These pilots have focused on creating approval plan-like collections with the bookstores that leverage subject-matter and collection specific expertise that local, independent bookstores may offer. We have sought to partner with bookstores that offer specific, niche expertise, particularly related to stories, authors, and topics from underrepresented communities. However, working with local, independent bookstores has not been without challenges and adaptation, due to differences in customer bases and populations served, as well as infrastructure and staffing difference between a bookstore and a typical library vendor. Some of the differences include the jargon and ways in which libraries talk about purchasing differs from that of bookstores, and learning to communicate with bookstores in a way that mirrors practices within libraries, without using library jargon. Logistical challenges include how to minimize and eliminate duplication of purchasing from multiple vendors. Challenges for libraries include lack of value added services such as cataloging records and shelf-ready services, as well as considerations of local procurement policies and guidelines.This presentation will also invite participants to consider their own collections gaps and investigate local bookstores in their region that might be able to provide expertise to fill such gaps.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the webinar, attendees will be able to:
 

• How to identify collection areas to consider purchasing from non-library vendors. 
• Best practices for engaging and working with local, independent bookstores 
• How to consider building a healthy, sustainable vendor base beyond traditional library vendors.

Who Should Attend

Collection Development and Acquisitions librarians interested in working with local independent bookstore to build collections

Presenters

Juleah Swanson is an Associate Professor and the Director of Collection Sustainability at the University of Colorado Boulder Libraries
 Arthur Aguilera is an Assistant Professor and Head of Collection Development and Assessment at the University of Colorado Boulder Libraries
 Amanda Rybin Koob is an Assistant Professor and the Literature and Humanities Librarian at the University of Colorado Boulder Libraries 

Accessibility Information

If you have questions or requests regarding accessibility, contact ce@ala.org or at 312-280-5100.

Registration Instructions

This webinar will take place in the MLS Learning Hub. In order to participate, you will need to take the following steps:

1. Create your free Learning Hub account 

2. Log into your new account

3. Follow this link and fill out the brief form

Please contact Sarah Donnelly (sdonnelly@masslibsystem.org) or Hillary Washburn (hillary@masslibsystem.org) with any registration questions.