[Libs-Or] OCLC vendor discounts

[Linda Weight]

Does your library use vendor discounts such as the ones OCLC and Lyrasis offer for purchases from Demco, Gaylord, Highsmith, Brodard, etc.?  Did you know that OCLC canceled all vendor discount contracts as of the end of March 2011?  

I spoke with Becky Hurley at OCLC this morning and she said that OCLC thought only a few libraries were using the discounts, so they canceled them.  She said she had only heard from a few libraries since then.  She admitted that OCLC did not have a good way to track the use of those contracts and they had not publicized the change.  

If your library is a member of OCLC and has used their vendor discounts (usually 15-20% off supplies and free shipping), they need to hear from you so that they can revisit this decision.  

Ms Hurley said that she would welcome feedback from the Oregon Library community.  Her email address is hurleyb at oclc.org, and her telephone number is 1-800-848-5878 x4316.

Yes, Lyraris does offer the same vendor discounts, but membership after July 1, 2011 will no longer be free. 



Linda Weight
Librarian I
Siuslaw Public Library District
1460 Ninth Street
Florence, Or. 97439
1-541-997-3132
lweight at siuslaw.lib.or.us