Library/Vendor Relationships

Citation

James, S. (2007), "Library/Vendor Relationships", Library Review, Vol. 56 No. 9, pp. 833-834. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242530710831310

There is a diagram on the front cover of this publication which suggests that we are all going round in circles. That may be true of course: it certainly feels like it sometimes. Relationships with vendors can vary widely, even wildly on occasions, from harmonious to acrimonious, sometimes for no apparent reason. We all know of course that communications are at the heart of this relationship: we see a vendor from our perspective, but need also to be aware of the vendor's own priorities and problems. Looking back at the most successful relationships I have had with vendors there is no question that the ones that have been most harmonious have been those where both sides have been open about their needs, problems or any other issues and have thus been able to tackle differences or difficulties with a clear picture of what is either desirable or possible, or ideally both.

The nature of vendors and our relations with them will vary enormously from the size of the library concerned and the size of the vendor, to the nature of the product being purchased. Governance issues can also play a major part on either side: does a librarian need permission from a board or superior to take certain decisions? What are the financial rules of the library's host organization? Does the person you are dealing with from the vendor have the authority to make certain assurances or offers to you?

These can be complex matters, so any advice or experience is grist to the mill. That the papers in this compilation are all from North America matters not at all: much commercial activity is global anyway, and the experience is still much the same anywhere. The first two papers take a more general view: the importance of open communications and “forging lasting symbiotic relationships” – the significant word there is “symbiotic”. Another two papers give the views of a book vendor and of an academic publisher. Then there are papers looking at specific aspects or giving particular case studies within different sectors (public, government, college libraries). A final paper on electronic discussion lists looks a bit out of place here, although it is in itself a useful survey of what these lists can or cannot, or should or should not do.

So overall this is a useful compilation of very practical experience in what can be a very tricky area to deal with. The fundamentals are stated pretty clearly and in very practical terms, and there is plenty of good advice and support to dip into throughout this wide‐ranging collection.