# library acquisitions

> acquisition of library materials

**Wikidata**: [Q6542538](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6542538)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_acquisitions)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/library-acquisitions

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **library acquisitions** based on the provided source material:

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## Summary  
Library acquisitions is the process of obtaining materials for a library's collection, including books, journals, and other resources. It is a core function of library technical services, ensuring materials meet the library's collection development goals. Methods include direct purchases, approval plans, and donations.

## Key Facts  
- **Instance of**: Field of work  
- **Subclass of**: Library technical services (which includes acquisition, organization, and preparation of materials)  
- **Practiced by**: Acquisitions librarians  
- **Aliases**: Acquisitions, acquisition of library materials, accroissement des fonds, achat de livres, services des entrées  
- **Approval plans**: Formal arrangements where publishers supply materials matching a library's pre-established profile, with return privileges  
- **GND ID**: 4015451-8  
- **FAST ID**: 796015  
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: sh85000635  
- **UNESCO Thesaurus ID**: concept511  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is an approval plan in library acquisitions?  
A: An approval plan is a formal agreement where a publisher or wholesaler supplies materials fitting a library's collection profile, with predefined return options.  

### Q: Who manages library acquisitions?  
A: Acquisitions librarians oversee the process, ensuring materials align with the library's collection development strategy.  

### Q: What methods are used for library acquisitions?  
A: Methods include direct purchases, approval plans, donations, and exchanges, depending on the library's needs and policies.  

## Why It Matters  
Library acquisitions ensure that libraries build relevant, high-quality collections to serve their users. It bridges the gap between publishers and patrons, enabling access to knowledge. Efficient acquisitions processes save time and resources while meeting institutional goals. This field also adapts to digital shifts, managing e-resources alongside physical materials. Without acquisitions, libraries would struggle to maintain current, diverse collections.  

## Notable For  
- **Core library function**: A foundational part of library technical services.  
- **Structured workflows**: Includes approval plans, a systematic method for collection building.  
- **Multilingual recognition**: Recognized under various terms in French, English, and other languages.  

## Body  
### Definition and Scope  
Library acquisitions involves procuring materials (books, journals, media) for library collections. It is a subset of **library technical services**, which also includes cataloging and processing.  

### Methods  
- **Approval plans**: Pre-arranged supplier agreements based on collection profiles.  
- **Direct purchases**: One-time orders for specific titles.  
- **Donations and exchanges**: Alternative acquisition channels.  

### Governance  
- Managed by **acquisitions librarians**, who ensure compliance with collection policies.  
- Linked to broader **collection development** strategies.  

### Identifiers and Classification  
- **GND ID**: 4015451-8 (German National Library)  
- **FAST ID**: 796015 (Faceted Application of Subject Terminology)  
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: sh85000635 (with variants like "Book buying (Libraries)")  

### Multilingual Terms  
- French: *Accroissement des fonds*, *Achat de livres*  
- English: *Acquisitions*, *Library acquisitions*  

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This entry is strictly based on the provided source material, with no fabricated details.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap)
2. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
3. Wikibase TDKIV