In my library, I am in charge of binding periodicals. I also keep all of
the duplicates on shelves near my desk. I try to keep an updated list of
all that I have available, but find that it is not as up to date as I
would like. I tend to think of the duplicates as not that important to
keep up with. I do read the listserv each day to see what is offered and
what we need. I offer duplicates to the list a couple of times a month. It
really depends on my other work and how pressing that is. Another problem
that is unique to me, I hope, is that the person who had my job before was
not well liked. I guess she had problems managing her time and I have been
told that "she did the duplicates and not much else." It sometimes causes
problems for me having to deal with this leftover anger. Sometimes when I
prepare a package for mailing, I am told that postage costs have gone up
since I started being involved in the Duplicate list.  I know that is all
because of the negative feelings towards my predecessor. The fact that
maybe I am completing a volume for someone else, actually helping another
library, is not considered.
   All in all I would say that I spend a minimum of 1 hour each day on the
duplicates. Sorry for rambling.  Judy Fallon, WPI <jf@WPI.EDU>

-----Original Message-----
From: Marcia Trauernicht [mailto:mstwml@RITVAX.ISC.RIT.EDU]
Sent: Wednesday, May 10, 2000 3:42 PM
To: SERIALST@LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: Duplicate exchanges and workflow

Duplicate exchange has come up for discussion recently at my library. Our
current practice consists of gathering our unwanted issues after
withdrawal, preparing a shipment (with shipment spreadsheet), and sending
out the spreadsheet list to vendors for bids.

Lately, we've found that the vendors aren't offering nearly as much money
for these shipments as in the past. The concern centers upon the amount of
staff time taken up by this process as compared to the amount of money
received from vendors for each shipment--in other words, the question has
been asked: "Is this still worth doing?" We currently do not supply any
issues to cooperative exchanges.

I've searched the SERIALST archives and found information about duplicate
exchanges that focuses primarily on sources for cooperative exchanges and
missing issue banks.

I would like to know what practices are in effect at your libraries and
how much staff time (regular staff and student staff) is devoted to this
process.  I am interested not only in workflow concerning interactions
with vendors, but also in any cooperative exchange practices. Pros and
cons of each are welcome.

Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Marcia S. Trauernicht
Wallace Library
Rochester Institute of Technology
mstwml@rit.edu
(716) 475-7292