Re: New Periodicals Librarian... (3 messages) Stephen Clark 27 May 1998 17:00 UTC
I am finding this entire discussion very interesting. Over the past 28 years that I have worked with serials, starting as a student assistant and working my way up to being a department head, I have had varying experience with two periodicals vendors -- Faxon and EBSCO. It is obvious from the "playing field" of vendors that both of these vendors, as well as the other vendors out there, that all of the vendors are doing something right for some of their clients. Otherwise, they would not be in business. As a matter of fact, my very first contact with EBSCO was not complimentary at all. I also acknowledge that since that time, the level of service that EBSCO provides has changed and that this company has a great deal to offer. Faxon's service has also been variable in the past. Regarding our situation at the present, they have made great strides in solving the problems which we have been having. Some of the problems that Faxon was experiencing several years ago were alluded to earlier in this discussion. From my experience, those times are past. We (Faxon and the College of William and Mary) are continuing to have fruitful conversations resolving problems as well as setting a new direction of service. I have to agree with some of the statements made previously to the effect that a great deal of one's service depends on the service and account representatives with whom one deals. This makes a tremendous amount of difference as to what you receive, if you receive anything at all. The level of service which this library has gotten from vendors for firm orders, standing orders, approvals, and serials has been determined in many instances by the representatives in the office and field. References are an important part of deciding who to use as a vendor, but make sure that you ask questions of the references. Very detailed questions. Ask about how a vendor can handle some areas with which you are having problems, but also ask about areas which you take for granted now -- you do not want to pick up a new set of problems just to solve some others. Do not forget to be objective about your analysis. This is sometimes difficult, but it is essential that you do not become swayed just because you like the sales rep. or the way he/she made a presentation. You have to look much deeper than that. The fact that all Virginia state supported institutions have to send out Requests for Proposals (RFPs) has helped us in looking at services and prices with more open and non-judgemental eyes. So, keep your eyes and ears open, but also make sure that you do some in-depth, objective research before you make your decision. Stephen Clark -- Stephen D. Clark phone: 757-221-3107 Acquisitions Librarian fax: 757-221-2535 Earl Gregg Swem Library e-mail: sdclar@mail.swem.wm.edu P.O. Box 8794 Williamsburg, VA 23187-8794