[LM_NET] HIT: Amazon, Titlewave, or Other?

[Shonda Brisco <sbrisco@GMAIL.COM>]

Thanks for the many replies--I received nearly 50 on this topic.  The
majority of you stated that the library assistants should not have
access to the Titlewave district-wide purchasing accounts because of
problems that could result with them accessing lists, MARC record
downloads, or PO information.  Many of you suggested that the library
assistants set-up their own accounts with Titlewave ---but that's how
this got started.  I discovered that they apparently called Follett
and explained that they were "librarians" at each of the schools, and
the accounts were set-up for them specifically but were directly tied
to the purchasing accounts for the school.  This allowed them to
easily access the account using their own user names and IDs but
without my knowledge of what was being done to the account.  While I
don't have any problem with this being done if the person accessing
the information is able to compile bibliographies of "new books" from
the lists or download and add district information to the MARC
records, but none of these assistants are able to catalog and two have
a problem understanding how to create a "new books" bibliography for
their libraries.

Most said that they would allow their assistants to use Amazon,
Mackin, Barnes & Noble, Borders, or other online bookstores to gather
prices, if one was needed.  Most of these types of online stores do
not need user names or passwords to even access.  Others suggested
placing a "flat fee" on the books lost (which may be done at a later
date).

Your advice helped to provide me with a broader insight into how
others are handling this type of situation on their own campuses and
what options are available.  Thanks for the help!

~Shonda


-- 
Shonda Brisco, MLIS
District Librarian
Peaster ISD
Weatherford, TX 76086

Digital Bookends wiki / blog:
http://digitalbookends.pbwiki.com
http://shonda.edublogs.org/
sbrisco@gmail.com

Resources for Texas School Librarians:
http://txschoollibrarians.ning.com/
http://txschoollibrarians.wikispaces.com/

"Digital Resources" columnist
School Library Journal

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