---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1998 12:20:07 -0400
From: "M. A. Phalan" <PHALANM@LIBRARY.PHILA.GOV>
Subject: Re: centralized vs decentralized check-in (Genevieve Clay)

We at the Free Library of Philadelphia do both. We have a large collection of
popular titles which are sent directly to our 50+ branches from publishers who
have been paid by our serials vendor. Branches claim their own titles to the
vendor. We also have a large collection of business/academic/research material
which is checked in centrally and distributed to the Central Library (Serials
is in another building) via delivery truck. Serials claims these titles.

This system works well for Serials, because we operate under a perpetual staff
shortage and can't deal with getting 50+ copies of PEOPLE WEEKLY every week or
100+ copies of READERS GUIDE TO PERIODICAL LITERATURE. We are working on
automating our facility using DRA but as yet we are manual.

Good luck in your research.

Mary Phalan
Assistant Head, Acquisitions/Serials
Free Library of Philadelphia