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MLA and BIC promote e-commerce and supply chain efficiencies |
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03 July 2007 |
Contacts
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The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council and Book Industry Communication are launching a project to promote e-commerce and supply chain efficiencies in the library sector. The e4libraries project will form an important part of the MLA's Better Stock, Better Libraries programme, and will increase value for money through applying technology to manual systems and inefficient working methods. Funded by MLA, the project will commence with immediate effect and will continue through March 2008.
A steering committee chaired by Martin Palmer, a BIC board member and Interim Libraries Manager at Essex County Libraries, will oversee the project. Other committee members will include representatives from MLA, the public and academic library communities, library suppliers, library systems suppliers and bibliographic agencies.
The first task of the steering committee will be to appoint consultants to draw up an appropriate and achievable work plan. The project will work collaboratively with the National Acquisitions Group, CILIP and other library interests as well as with MLA.
BSBL Programme Manager Andrew Stevens said, "We welcome the contribution BIC will make to the Better Stock Better Libraries programme. The e4libraries project is an important part of the programme and will focus on how technology and e-commerce can contribute to a more efficient model of purchasing stock. By 2008 we will have the foundations in place to support chief librarians to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their stock procurement."
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Museums, Libraries and Archives Council |
| The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council works with the nine regional agencies in the MLA Partnership to improve people?s lives by building knowledge, supporting learning, inspiring creativity and celebrating identity. The Partnership acts collectively for the benefit of the sector and the public, aiming to transform museums, libraries and archives for the future.
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Better Stock Better Libraries |
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Launched in August 2006, MLA's Better Stock Better Libraries programme aims to help public libraries buy cheaper books, better matched to customer needs, and available as quickly as from the high street and online booksellers. The programme outlines a national library purchasing model that offers potential savings of up to £ 20 million a year.
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Book Industry Communication |
| Book Industry Communication, set up and sponsored by The Publishers Association, The Booksellers Association, Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals and The British Library, develops and promotes standards for electronic commerce and communication in the book and serials industry.
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