Although I realize you are talking about large
corporate book vendors for the most part, I hope you'll remember that rather
small but diligent number of us professional bookseller ARLIS members who are
specialists in rare and out-of-print art books and who have been long
time-members and supporters of ARLIS.
"We used to use Baker and Taylor
and Midwest but found that overall Amazon is the most efficient for run of the
mill publications. If one knows how to group orders, the free shipping is
fairly quick. If you use Amazon, make sure to set up a corporate
account."
The benefit in contacting one of us is manifold
- the personal contact, efficient and prompt service, more economical shipping,
and expertise. Instead of turning to Amazon for the odd out-of-print book
as suggested in one of the responses, try us. You'll get more than a
clerk's unknowledgeable response. We also occasionally have new books in
stock and can supply them more quickly, and are accustomed to billing
institutions if you prefer not to wait for approval in setting up an account
elsewhere.
We bookseller members have long supported
ARLIS activities and contributed to the success of the annual conventions
through our exhibitions, support of gala parties (Ars Libri) and closing exhibit
receptions, and travel grants (Karno and
others).
We have been around a lot longer than
Amazon and ABE have always been loyal to our library ARLIS colleagues, so we do
indeed expect some consideration and reciprocation when it involves the more
elusive material which you'll despair of finding on Amazon.
"You need at
least one general vendor (such as Blackwell or B&T), at least one
specialized vendor (such as Worldwide Art Books), and at least one foreign
vendor (such as Erasmus). Having a local bookstore for urgent purchases is
very helpful."
How about at least one (or more) rare
book specialists who are fellow ARLIS members?
Raymond Smith
R.W. Smith Bookseller
New Haven