Implementing EDI X12 book acquisitions at a medium-sized university library
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe and evaluate the EDI (electronic data interchange) X12 ordering and invoicing implementation at Sims Memorial Library. The paper will allow practitioners at academic libraries to understand the implementation process, the types of problems and resolutions encountered during the project and the time and potential cost-saving benefits of EDI X12 book acquisitions.
Design/methodology/approach
A team of LOUIS (the Louisiana Library Network consortium) consultants and a SirsiDynix manager helped librarians at Sims Library to implement EDI X12 ordering using Yankee Book Peddler (YBP)’s GobiExport Plus service. Vendor and report templates with mapping configurations were established, and tests were conducted until a successful outcome was achieved.
Findings
EDI X12 ordering and invoicing significantly streamlined the acquisitions workflow at Sims Memorial Library. A substantial amount of time is saved compared to the previous method of manually creating purchase orders and invoices.
Originality/value
The paper is a current case study, and the collaborative aspects and problems and resolutions encountered during the implementation offer original material. The paper will offer valuable practical information and provide a blueprint for those libraries seeking to adopt EDI book acquisitions.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author would like to acknowledge Mark Witteman (LOUIS Technical Consultant), Jamie Barrilleaux (LOUIS Library Consortium Analyst) and Lisa Witteman (Senior Library Relations Manager, SirsiDynix), whose help and knowledge made the implementation possible. The author also wishes to acknowledge Amy Baptist (ILL/Access Services Librarian, Sims Library), who helped with the project and made helpful suggestions for the paper and Beth West (Teaching and Online Learning Librarian, Linfield Libraries), who helped with the project while working at Sims Library.
Citation
Kelsey, P. (2015), "Implementing EDI X12 book acquisitions at a medium-sized university library", New Library World, Vol. 116 No. 7/8, pp. 383-396. https://doi.org/10.1108/NLW-11-2014-0130
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited