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1.
Are you comfortable negotiating with vendors?
User-Submitted Answers
1.
Yes I have previous experience of this and built up long term relationships with publishing houses. I had to negotiate with publishers about rising subscription fees and transportation costs.
2.
Yes, I have previous experience in a business environment where I worked with vendors.
3.
Yes, I believe so. I have not had to negotiate with vendors before but I know how to research book prices as well as compare prices of various vendors. Many vendors are more than happy to offer discounts based on the company's history of purchasing and future orders such as standing orders.
2.
When have you given suggestions on what books an Acquisitions Librarian should purchase? Did they follow through on your suggestion?
User-Submitted Answers
1.
While working at Methodist University I regularly gave suggestions for recommended reading.
2.
I get book selections often and they are usually from library patrons, whether it's at an academic or public library. Patrons will request books that they have heard of or seen in a book store or even adverised on television and want our library to acquire it. Faculty will suggest books for use in accordance with their course curriculum.
3.
What do you feel is the most important skill an acquisitions librarian should possess?
User-Submitted Answers
1.
The ability to work under pressure is one important skill. I have experience of this in my latest role when customers come in whilst the phone rings and a queue starts to form.
2.
I believe the most important skill is attention to detail and organization skills since you can have many contracts happening at once.
3.
Knowledge of the books they need to acquire. Many librarians are given various subjects to purchase books and it's extremely important to know what is available, what is popular, what is current and what is consistently needed for both the open collection/circulating collection as well as the reference section.
4.
Knowledge of the community.
5.
Acquisitions best practices.
4.
How often do you read reports on what books are most popular at your library?
User-Submitted Answers
1.
Our libraries will receive reports perhaps once a month on which books are most popular at any library. The reports can be a bit challenging for our systems library which is why they are only printed once a month. However, while creating Research guides, it was vital that I know which items were the most popular so that I could add them to the research guide as well as research similar items in an attempt to acquire them for the library.
2.
I regularly read scholarly publications like School Library Journal to keep up with children's and teen trends.
3.
I read the Issue the latest bestseller posters are displayed there. I also try to keep abreast of new and upcoming titles to deal with enquiries efficiently.
5.
What individual has had the greatest influence on you?
User-Submitted Answers
1.
My mother she was ver creative, strong and love God.
2.
My father because he was such a hard worker and very supportive of my career ambitions.
3.
My first library director.
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