----------------------------Original message----------------------------
Douglas and others:
I've used Amazon to buy a couple of books for the Art Institute library.
Things to know:
(1) It's credit card or check only. No POs, and paying by check is arduous.
Make sure you check the right box on the online order form, though, or
you'll be
trapped in "hit the back button" hell forever. If you are lucky enough to
have a corporate credit card, it'll work very nicely because books in
stock are delivered lickety spit. If
you send a check, it's pretty slow.
(2) Discounts aren't that hot. A big consolidator (e.g., B&T) can
probably do better.
(3) It makes little sense for me (Seattle based) to order from them
because I get to pay both shipping and handling and state sales tax. If
you're outside WA state, it might be more cost effective.
(4) It's a fun collection development tool, especially for how-to-do-it
computer books. It's not bad either if you're looking for applied arts-type
books. I really like the "people who bought this book also bought x, y
and z" cross selling tactics. The reviews posted by real
people are very subjective, earthy and often funny. Recently, I evaluated a
bunch of books on 3D
Max (animation software) by using Amazon. Bought 'em elsewhere, though.
(5) In case you don't know, Amazon has many librarians on its staff.
That's probably why its underlying database is so useful.
Cheers
Cathy Donaldson
library director
Art Institute of Seattle library
|