Vendor Relations and Automation

Abstract

Automation of acquisitions functions and vendor-supplied automated systems and services have changed the nature of library and vendor relations. Automated support services give vendors an edge in a competitive marketplace, but may be costly in terms of overhead. Libraries may enjoy the convenience and efficiency that vendor-supplied automated support offers, but must remember that the vendor's product (books/journals/learning materials) and service is of primary importance. Automated support services have heightened the sense of interdependency between libraries and vendors. Libraries must periodically evaluate a vendor's product, service and automated support in relation to their own strategy for the future. Vendors will continue to increase the variety and sophistication of the automated support services they offer. Libraries must ensure that they retain their freedom of choice among vendors.