ABSTRACT
“Automated Acquisitions” describes the automation of acquisitions work, which began with the development of simple ordering and receiving systems. Over the years, these systems have expanded to automate acquisitions work generally and to integrate acquisitions with other major library functions such as cataloging, circulation, and collection development. Automation has also promoted electronic interfaces with monograph and serial vendors and with institutional accounting systems. Increasing growth of electronic collections requires additional system development to accommodate the various components of this complex workflow. Workflows in acquisitions are enhanced by online cataloging services, such as OCLC’s Promptcat or vendor-provided MARC records, which allow libraries to receive books cataloged and shelf-ready; and electronic books have led to many interesting new models of acquisitions, including demand-driven acquisitions. To promote operability among various systems, standards adopted by publishers, vendors, and libraries are increasingly important and a focus of development in the field.
