Private University Librarian’s Experience on Procurement of Books in Bangladesh

Abstract

The private universities in Bangladesh are playing an important role in modernizing the higher education system in the country and the role of librarians is also different and challenging. Specially, procuring books and monographs is an exigent function being this lost its demand very quickly. In some cases, titles bear only one semester necessity. Suppliers frequently fail to supply books needed in a semester and late arrival of books is another phenomena which frustrate private university librarians in the country. In these circumstances, IUB (Independent University, Bangladesh) is trying to establish a method for working with the best book suppliers. Experience shows that apparent goodwill or gorgeous showrooms of vendors sometimes mislead the librarians. The best way is to determine some criteria and each criterion should be weighted. The weight may differ from criterion to criterion. Performance in the latest year may receive maximum number in the weighted formula. Goodwill, interest to work with the university, up-to-date-ness, availability of resources, maximum discount, etc., may be included in the weighted formula. Performance of the consecutive three years would guide one to select a vendor from the old panel of suppliers.