# approval plan

> formal arrangement in which a publisher or wholesaler agrees to select and supply, subject to return privileges specified in advance, publications exactly as issued that fit a library's pre-established collection development profile

**Wikidata**: [Q621726](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q621726)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/approval-plan

## Summary
An approval plan is a formal arrangement where a publisher or wholesaler agrees to select and supply publications exactly as issued, subject to return privileges, to fit a library's pre-established collection development profile. It is a structured process within library acquisitions and collection development, ensuring libraries receive materials that align with their collection goals.

## Key Facts
- Part of the broader processes of library collection development and library acquisitions.
- Involves a publisher or wholesaler selecting and supplying publications exactly as issued.
- Subject to return privileges specified in advance.
- Aligns with a library's pre-established collection development profile.
- Sitelinks available in German (de) and Italian (it) Wikipedia.
- Linked to Wikidata and other academic resources like the Encyclopedia of China (Third Edition).
- Part of the Open Directory Library System (ODLIS) with identifier `a.aspx#approvalplan`.
- Subclass of both library acquisitions and library collection development.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of an approval plan in libraries?
A: An approval plan ensures that publishers or wholesalers supply publications exactly as issued, subject to return privileges, to match a library's pre-established collection development profile. This streamlines the acquisition process and aligns materials with the library's needs.

### Q: How does an approval plan differ from regular library acquisitions?
A: Unlike standard acquisitions, an approval plan is a formal agreement where publishers or wholesalers actively select and supply materials based on the library's predefined profile, with clear return policies in place.

### Q: Who typically participates in an approval plan?
A: Publishers, wholesalers, and libraries collaborate in approval plans, with the library defining the collection profile and the supplier delivering materials accordingly.

## Why It Matters
Approval plans are a critical component of library collection development, ensuring that materials acquired align with institutional goals. By establishing formal agreements with publishers, libraries can streamline acquisitions, reduce waste through return privileges, and maintain consistency with their collection policies. This system enhances efficiency and ensures that resources are allocated effectively to meet user needs. The structured nature of approval plans also supports long-term planning and budgeting within libraries.

## Notable For
- Being a formalized agreement between publishers and libraries, distinct from ad-hoc acquisitions.
- Including return privileges as a key feature, allowing libraries to manage inventory more flexibly.
- Aligning with pre-established collection development profiles, ensuring materials meet institutional needs.
- Linked to academic and encyclopedic resources, indicating its recognition in scholarly contexts.
- Part of broader library processes like collection development and acquisitions, highlighting its role in systematic resource management.

## Body
### Definition and Structure
An approval plan is a formalized process where publishers or wholesalers commit to supplying publications exactly as issued, subject to return privileges, to meet a library's collection development profile. This agreement is part of library acquisitions and collection development, ensuring materials align with institutional goals.

### Key Components
- **Publisher/Wholesaler Agreement**: The supplier selects and delivers materials based on the library's profile.
- **Return Privileges**: Libraries can return unsold or unwanted items, reducing waste.
- **Collection Profile**: Materials must fit the library's predefined development goals.

### Historical and Academic Context
- Linked to Wikidata and the Encyclopedia of China (Third Edition), indicating its scholarly recognition.
- Part of the Open Directory Library System (ODLIS) with identifier `a.aspx#approvalplan`.
- Sitelinks available in German and Italian Wikipedia, showing its regional relevance.

### Role in Library Operations
- Streamlines acquisitions by formalizing agreements with suppliers.
- Supports budgeting and long-term planning through structured profiles.
- Enhances efficiency by allowing return privileges, reducing inventory costs.