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February 10, 2010
The selection of books in public libraries
Here and in The Bookseller concerns have been raised about current book supply chain procedures and practices to public libraries. The view has been expressed that the whole arrangement is disadvantageous in many ways, to the public and needs review and overhaul. One commenter speculated that in a contract for a large English public library consortium discounts as high as 47.5 % were being given for items selected by the supplier. This in turn has caused anxiety that at such levels of discount the selection criteria might be as much about the cost of the books as about their quality and appropriateness for individual libraries. These contracts are of enormous financial value - and the number oif suppliers is very limited. In football terminology to win or lose the largest contract is a matter of six points in the league: it is not surprising that suppliers will go to great lengths to win.
So far there has been no comment from any local authority, consortium or supplier each or any of whom might have chosen to distance themselves from doubtful practices and Alan Gibbon, who is the leader of The Campaign for the Book and an author raised the questions with Roy Clare in this exchange, which appears on Alan's blog
Dear Roy
As an author, library user, teacher and campaigner, I have been approached by several people concerned about the recent allegations that some library authorities have allowed exclusive supplier selection in return for higher discounts. I think there is real cause for concern here. This seems to be a most dangerous practice which may contravene the statutory duty of individual authorities to provide a “comprehensive” service to their communities.
You will understand that selecting new books based solely on discount will restrict choice and availability for library users. While many new books may be common to all library authorities, careful selection to meet the different needs of our diverse communities is essential. There is a real danger that literary works, those written in minority languages and works published by smaller publishers will be restricted. I understand that some publishers in the IPG are already concerned as I believe will be most authors.
I hope you will move quickly to issue a statement confirming that any arrangements for exclusive supplier selection should not be allowed.
I would be grateful if you would allow me to publish your reply on my Blog.
Alan Gibbons
Roy replied today....
Alan,
Public libraries should have a good stock selection policy to guide their decision-making and investment in book stock selection.
Working through consortiums and suppliers, libraries can effectively deliver book collections that meet public demand and local needs and interests.
Provided councils use supplier selection according to best practice principles, it can be a major efficiency saving for libraries services across the UK - helping to improve the effectiveness of buying stock; saving time on routine back office activity; reducing the costs for local authorities and creating best value for the public.
Responding to public demand, by providing popular and current titles whilst maintaining the integrity of collections so they serve the public and reflect local needs is important.
Library staff must be free to make decisions that consider their local communities’ needs. The MLA offers guidance on stocking material through Guidance on the Management of Controversial Material in Public Libraries issued last year.
Further training opportunities, delivered by CILIP, in writing and developing good stock selection policies, will soon be available.
In ‘best practice’ terms, authorities must avoid becoming vulnerable to anti-competitive practices or monopoly suppliers.
The MLA advocates that authorities balance the need for efficient buying with autonomy, independence, integrity and local choice.
The consumer, not the supplier, must be the driving force.
Roy Clare CBE
CEO, Museums, Libraries and Archives Council
Posted by Perkins at February 10, 2010 9:45 PM
Comments
"...selecting new books based solely on discount will restrict choice and availability for library users" We don't and it won't see my comment on Tim's article in the Bookseller
http://www.thebookseller.com/blogs/111615-library-service.html
Posted by: datz at February 11, 2010 9:32 AM
Datz-- many thanks for this and for your comment on the Bookseller site, in which you say how you operate proper arrangements to make the best use of supplier selection and at the same time keep control over what acquisitions are made. The problem is that not everybody does that. I agree that supplier selection, properly managed, can be very helpful - indeed it is almost essential for new publications. Unfortunately there are library authorities where it is not used so wisely.
And even though you taken the safeguards you do, how do you know that, when the supplier is making the selection, that their judgment is solely about quality and relevance and never about the margin they are making?
It is pleasing that your issues are on the increase-- but you can hardly think that that is the universal picture.
Posted by: Tim Coates at February 11, 2010 10:15 AM