An Evaluation of a Blanket Order Plan for French Publications

Abstract

A blanket order is currently used by the University of Michigan library as a major collection development tool in the area of French literature. During the past few years, concerns have arisen about the quality of service received from the blanket order vendor. These problem areas were identified: (1) the large number of titles of popular, nonliterary fiction received on the blanket order; and (2) the lack of adequate coverage in the area of history and criticism of French literature. An evaluation of the blanket order was conducted, based on an adaptation of the list checking method used for retrospective collection assessment. The results of this evaluation showed that there were serious problems with the blanket order in the two areas examined. As a result of this evaluation, the library is planning to make substantial revisions in the operation of the blanket order.