---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Mon, 14 Jun 1999 11:22:49 -0400
From: Natalie Gorvine <GORVINE@EMAIL.CHOP.EDU>
Subject: Re: non-arrival of journal issues and claiming(Gary Davidoff)

Gary et al  - I share your frustrations in the world of claims.   I echo
some of Jeanette Skwor's suggestions to you, although I vary  the grace
periods from my end depending on:
 the frequency that the particular title appears,
whether it is published domestically or abroad (I allow a  couple of
weeks longer for items coming from Europe),
frankly, how much else I have on my plate - I have many
responsibilities in our small but busy 2-staffperson pediatric library
and don't always get to my claims as promptly as I would ideally want to
-
*and* especially my past experience with a particular publisher.

Some are worse than others in responding "out of stock,"  so if I've
had poor response previously, I do try to place my claim more
expeditiously when a need recurs.

I also use duplicate exchange services to fill in gaps when all else
fails, with an impressive success rate.  There are a few such services,
but the one most useful to me has been Backmed.

To subscribe or unsubscribe via the web, visit
        http://lists.blackwell.co.uk/mailman/listinfo/backmed
or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
        backmed-request@lists.blackwell.co.uk
You can reach the person managing the list at
        backmed-admin@lists.blackwell.co.uk

Also, whereas Backmed is geared specifically to medical libraries,
Blackwells sponsors Backserv, a  broader exchange list .   Although I
myself do not participate in the latter, I am guessing that the above
subscription instructions would obtain if one were to substitute
backserv for backmed.

Actually, I have reached the point where I request items from Backmed
even if I've already claimed them, notably in those cases where a
publisher has a bad track record with filling my claims in the past.
Most participants on the list ask only for postage reimbursement, a
small prcie to pay for reduced aggravation.
Some folks don't even want the stamps.  It's a great list!

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,
Natalie

THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF PHILADELPHIA
MEDICAL LIBRARY   ROOM 9546  MAIN BLDG
ATTN  NATALIE L GORVINE   LIBRARY ASSISTANT
34TH STREET AND CIVIC CENTER BOULEVARD
PHILADELPHIA  PA  19104-4399

Voice telephone : 215-590-2317
Fax : 215-590-1470
email : gorvine@email.chop.edu