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Discovery, Collections & Systems

Notes and procedures

What is GOBI?

GOBI Library Solutions is Memorial Library’s primary vendor for print and ebooks. Purchasing through GOBI interoperates with OCLC WMS to automate many aspects of updating the library catalog and documenting licensing of ebooks. Memorial Library's contract with GOBI includes access to reviews and specially compiled subject lists. Records in the GOBI database provide selectors with links to tables of content and with information about purchase by other libraries.

Firm Order Preferences

  • GOBI preferred. Regular print book orders should be placed with GOBI whenever the book is in stock at GOBI. If a requestor has indicated that books are needed quickly, books that are out of print or “orders accepted” at GOBI can be sourced from an alternate vendor, including Amazon, but GOBI is still the preferred vendor. Use GOBI BookZone (formerly Marketplace) rather than Amazon whenever possible.
  • New copies preferred. Used copies are acceptable only when new copies are not available. If used is the only option, order the best condition copy available.
  • Hardback or trade paperback preferred. Do not order mass market paperbacks unless no other edition is available. Consult liaison librarian before ordering trade paperback.

Special Circumstances

  • Rush orders. Rush orders should be ordered from GOBI if rush is available; they should only be ordered from an alternate vendor such as Amazon if rush is not available from GOBI. True rush orders are only accepted from faculty members. Discuss rush requests from students or staff with the liaison librarian.
  • POD. POD orders can go directly to Amazon or be ordered from GOBI, whichever will faster. If turnaround time is expected to be similar, order from GOBI.

Approval Plans

Memorial Library uses Approval Plans to automate notifications and purchasing in areas where we know we need certain content (e.g., winners of the Caldecott and Newbery Awards). In 2023, Approval Plans directly automate print purchasing of faculty publications and adult and children's award books. We also contract with GOBI for the physical processing of the award books. The Approval Slips plan provides selectors with notifications about new books based on the library's selection profile.

The most current approval plan documentation is available via GOBI website.