2017 Charleston Library Conference

This panel will highlight the experiences of a college’s efforts to build a diverse LGBTQ and Title IX collection while comparing the benefits and challenges to ordering from Amazon.com versus EBSCO’s GOBI Library Solutions. At the time this study was conducted, the library provided access to (owned and leased) a total of 3,657 non-unique print and eBook titles about LGBTQ and Title IX topics when searching subject headings in the library’s discovery service (EBSCO Discovery Service with index); the titles had crossover between the subject matters. With a population of mainly first-generation students with proven limited access to tablets and other e-Readers, combined with a miniscule print book budget, the Director of the Library set out to purchase additional new and used print titles. This paper analyzed which wholesale book vendor— Amazon.com with Prime or EBSCO’s GOBI Library Solutions — effectively streamlined workflow acquisition processing and was more cost effective. The title list examined for this study consisted of 75 new and used LGBTQ and Title IX print titles. Furthermore, this panel will address the need to regularly add new diverse subject matter materials to create a supportive environment for assisting students, staff, and faculty who seek information about this topic. Advantages and challenges of purchasing from both vendors as well as building a diverse LGBTQ collection will be discussed. Results from this study revealed a final cost difference between Amazon (without Prime Shipping) and GOBI Library Solutions of 2.80% and a final cost difference between Amazon (with Prime Shipping) and GOBI Library Solutions of 11.01%. Audience participation and sharing of similar acquisition experiences is strongly encouraged.