Blurbs encompass all non-nosl monographic orders from
selectors, including catalogs, order request forms, brochures, print-outs,
newspaper/magazine reviews, etc. Ordering from some can be straight forward,
but others require more diligence and legwork. Because blurbs are a diverse
lot, it is difficult to come up with a true "procedure" that
applies to all. However, the following guidelines should be applied as
necessary.
- Review the order document carefully.
- Make note of any special discounts or prices, including prepayment
information if warranted.
- Note any special instructions (eg. new or paperback edition wanted,
specific vols. of a set).
- Also note any special order treatment (eg. RUSH, please notify).
- Select a vendor that is dependable, timely,
and provides the best price.
- Be sure you are using the correct vendor code for NUL, not United
Library (the code begins with ul), Health Sciences (the code begins
with hx), or the Law Library (the code has an l in front of it).
eg. Casalini = casa, not ulcasa or lcasa.
- Use the correct currency code for the vendor when possible. It
should be indicated somewhere on the blurb. If USD is indicated
for a foreign country it is ok to use. Euros are preferred for participating
European Union countries, but the old currencies are ok if that
is all that is indicated.
- If you are not sure if a vendor is still valid, check for approved
invoices by vendor code (choose performance tab under vendor).
- Don't hesitate to contact a vendor by phone or email if you aren't
sure they can supply the order in question, especially if it is
a RUSH or "Please Notify" order. This is preferable to
sending in an order that the vendor cannot supply.
- Although sometimes it is necessary to order directly from the
publisher, use caution. Often it is preferable to use an established
vendor.
- If choosing between two vendors, you may wish to compare discounts
if possible.
- Annotate Voyager records thoroughly.
- Indicate special instructions to the vendor in the Instructions
to Vendor box under the PO Notes tab (eg. catalog number, specific
vols. of a set, etc., discount) even if you have ordered by phone
or email.
- Put any special internal notes in the Notes box found in
the PO Notes tab. This information will not print out on the order,
but you can put any notes here that might aid trouble shooting in
the future (eg. vendor contact person the order was discussed with).
Content Questions? Contact c-grove@northwestern.edu
Technical questions? Contact j-bartlett@northwestern.edu
Last reviewed: 2/28/08
