ABSTRACT
Since approval plans were first offered in the mid-1960’s as an alternative acquisitions method to title-by-title selection and firm ordering, they have become the predominant method of library acquisitions. The literature on approval plans follows several major themes: pro/con the merits of approval plans; how to choose the right vendor; and vendor performance studies. Less frequent topics include specialty approval plans; surveys of approval plan use; and bibliographies of approval plan literature. The majority of articles treat the approval plan as a one-dimensional topic, i.e., as if all libraries have only one approval plan and vendor when in actuality many libraries’ total approval program involves the use of several vendors. This article reviews the literature with respect to the maintenance of multiple approval plans. The experience at Louisiana State University which has maintained a multiplicity of approval plans for thirteen years is described. The studies and re-examinations of the multi-vendor approach conducted throughout the years at LSU are detailed. Current technological developments in the delivery of approval plan services are covered. The future impact of these developments are considered for what changes they may bring to long-established approval plan patterns in many libraries.
