ABSTRACT
“Automated Acquisitions” describes the automation of acquisitions work, which began with the development of simple ordering and receiving systems. Over the years these systems have expanded to automate other major functions of acquisitions work and to integrate acquisitions with other major library functions such as cataloging and circulation. Automation has also promoted electronic interfaces with monograph and serial vendors and with institution accounting systems. Workflows in acquisitions are enhanced by online cataloging services, such as Promptcat or vendor-provided MARC records, which allow libraries to receive books cataloged and shelf-ready. With the increase in electronic collections, electronic resource management is an emerging feature of automated acquisitions systems. To promote operability among various systems, standards adopted by publishers, vendors, and libraries are increasingly important and a major focus of development in the field.
