The economics of the Universal Serials and Book Exchange (USBE)

Abstract

The Universal Serials and Book Exchange, Incorporated (USBE) is a non‐profit, independent, self‐supporting library service organisation founded in 1948 which operates a clearinghouse for the receipt, organisation, and redistribution of surplus and duplicate publications, largely serials, but also books, documents, and other library materials. Items available for distribution at any one time number over 4 million. Member libraries wishing to use the collection may send wants lists or purchase orders in any form convenient to them, or check off needed items on lists they receive each month from USBE, or make personal selections from USBE shelves. Cost and time studies are currently under way to assist USBE in its operations and planning for the future. The annual average costs per item processed for shipment have ranged from 74centsin 1968 to $2.47 in 1977. About 35% of the cost is attributable to the receiving, sorting, and shelving of the miscellaneous materials received by USBE. Other costs include the processing of requests of different kinds and the distribution of items to libraries.

Citation

Rovelstad, H. (1979), "The economics of the Universal Serials and Book Exchange (USBE)", Interlending Review, Vol. 7 No. 3, pp. 98-101. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb017646