In this Library Wire:
Survey says … libraries prefer Alibris for Libraries
Thanks to all of you who filled out our recent survey. We’re happy to report that libraries rated their satisfaction with Alibris for Libraries over Amazon Marketplace on all factors, including 10% better on selection, 13% on customer service, and 20% on invoicing and payment services. Furthermore, a survey in the November 2009 issue of Against the Grain indicated that Alibris was libraries’ #1 used or out-of-print Internet book site. For more details on either survey, let us know.
Cart now reserved for 24 hours — we heard your appeal
You asked for it, you got it: Your books’ “shelf-life” in the Alibris for Libraries cart has now been extended to 24 hours. This means that books are protected from other buyers for the first 24 hours they’re in your cart, which we hope will provide you with ample time to compile your entire list, obtain a purchase order, or maybe just get a cup of coffee in between finding the book(s) and checking out. Of course, if your cart lingers for longer than 24 hours, you may find that your books have been ordered by other users—in which case, you might want to move your entire cart over into a Wishlist, so you can better keep track of titles to be ordered. Please let us know if you have any questions about Wishlists, carts, or using purchase orders.
Collection Reports
Ever notice how the end of the calendar year is a good time to start thinking about next year? If you initiate a Collection Report request today, we can put a good list of good books in your in-box in no time. See some sample reports on our wiki.
Happy holidays
All things considered, Alibris for Libraries had a pretty good year in 2009 (despite the worldwide economic recession). We’re offering more books from more sellers with more services at better prices than ever. Of course, we couldn’t have done any of it without the support of loyal libraries, and we’d like to thank you, sincerely, for turning to and sticking with us during difficult economic times.
Alibris Tip: book, music, and movie glossaries
Intrigued by what some relatively arcane abbreviation or product description actually means? Here’s a friendly reminder that we have posted some pretty comprehensive glossaries for book, music, and movie terms.
