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Librarians, as the scientific community's purchasing agent, seem to be in a no-win situation: they do not entirely trust their providers. and their customers want more for less; they are caught between the cultures of commerce and science. The historical traditions of these cultures are explored at length. The differing opinions on the ‘Big Deal’ demonstrate the problem but we are now seeing signs of cultural emergence. There are also signs of a rapprochement, and this can be furthered by taking a fresh look at concepts of ‘value’ and ‘cost.’ Librarians and publishers can work together for a common cause using new technology and new commercial models to help advance science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community colleges serve a large and diverse student population. Vendors and community colleges would be well served by smaller database packages with focus on non-traditional studies. Untapped key elements vendors should consider in promoting sales with community colleges include: timely responses, practical license structures, and consistent database offerings. Fostering positive vendor/ community college relationships is assisted by strategies to address current economic realities, customizing database contents, focus groups and other forums to communicate mutual needs and capabilities. Proactive librarians should assist vendors in understanding the unique needs of community colleges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic e-mail discussion lists have been used by librarians and vendors for twenty years. These lists have proliferated, especially in the last ten years, to the point where there are more than 250 library-related lists in use today. This paper describes the various types of lists, looks at the demographics of several library lists, and discusses how these lists can impact libraries and librarians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between OCLC Online Computer Library Center and its member institutions worldwide is formalized in the Members Council. This body, representing OCLC's constituent networks and service centers, has a key role in helping the OCLC Board of Trustees and management determine the future direction of the cooperative. Its core responsibilities include electing six trustees to the fifteen-member Board, and approving or rejecting changes to OCLC's Articles of Incorporation and Code of Regulations, the corporation's founding documents. The Members Council also represents the interests of libraries to OCLC. While the Board, Council, and management do not agree on all issues, their relationships are characterized by extensive interaction and mutual respect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In all business communities, standards development is a collaborative activity that requires the participation of all players in the value chain. This article looks at how NISO's current work, supported largely through a collaboration of vendors and libraries, relates to trends and innovations in library services management. It also gives insights into how the information community accomplishes its standards goals through multiple channels. Featured sections include historical perspectives on information standards and discussion of major influences on the development of next-generation standards affecting library management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the opportunities, challenges, and results of a vendor-library development project to create an ecommerce' tool as an integrated facet of Innovative's Web OPAC. Westerville Public Library was engaged with the software development process from the outset, communicating administrative, technical, and service issues and needs while also testing the product with its customers. The project culminated in early 2004 with the installation of Innovative's Ecommerce product and resulted in the collection of large payments online and an increase in total fine revenue collected. Most notably, the team found that Ecommerce gathered nearly a quarter of all fines collected in 2004, and almost one-third of fines collected in the first half of 2005. The participants reflect on the nature and history of the partnership, outcomes, best practices, and future plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reviews publisher and vendor use of library advisory boards. While they are not new to the information industry, library advisory boards have assumed new importance. From the industry perspective, library advisory boards provide valuable market feedback concerning products and services. For librarians, membership on library advisory boards is an opportunity to learn about new products, provide feedback on existing products, and better understand the information marketplace. Recent literature is reviewed and a number of publishers and vendors are surveyed. The uses and organization of advisory boards and their value to both companies and the library community are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the relations between libraries and vendors which need to have an open communications to better provide services to end-users. The author points out that if there is relationship, there is dependence. The library employees are providing a service to their customers which can be improved if the working relationship between library staff and the vendor can also be enhanced. The author points out that the open lines of communications and the sharing of information are the key points of library and vendor relations.

The article discusses the author's perspectives on the importance of a relationship between libraries and vendors which is linked to technological developments and applications. He argues that there is an essential need for a positive and successful relationship between libraries and vendors. He discusses the stages in which libraries must follow to link closely to vendors. He points out that libraries need vendors to be successful and make profits.