ABSTRACT
A library's automated acquisitions system can be the workhorse of technical services. Developing a new acquisitions system for any automation vendor can be a challenge. Dynix has used a process called Contextual Inquiry as they develop a new acquisitions system. Contextual inquiry (CI) is a process in which one or two members of a development team spend an amount time at libraries watching staff as they work while taking notes and asking questions. This chapter discusses that how an integrated library system (ILS) vendor develops software and describe the methods and processes. The Dynix Engineering Department has a position called Library Systems Analyst (LSA). This is usually filled by a librarian who works very closely with engineers, helping them understand workflow in the library, and also with customers to get a better understanding of requirements. The LSA acts as a translator between the engineers and the librarians, so that each group understands the others' vocabulary.
