A concurrent pilot project approach to approval plans

Abstract

The University of Ottawa, Canada, adopted a concurrent pilot project strategy for implementing a US and UK book approval plan. This meant that two vendors were imultaneously piloted for the services they could provide, and this allowed for a direct comparison between vendors. Timelines and objectives were determined. At the end of the process, a single vendor was selected as the provider for approval books in the humanities, social sciences, and health sciences. The process was timeconsuming but proved an excellent learning experience in understanding vendor systems and capabilities. It allowed library staff to compare vendors in a tangible manner, and to make wellinformed decisions on vendor approval plans.