A concurrent pilot project approach to approval plans

The University of Ottawa, Canada, adopted a concurrent pilot project strategy for implementing a US and UK book approval plan. This meant that two vendors were simultaneously piloted for the services they could provide, and this allowed for a direct comparison between vendors. Timelines and objectives were determined. At the end of the process, a single vendor was selected as the provider for approval books in the humanities, social sciences, and health sciences. The process was time-consuming but proved an excellent learning experience in understanding vendor systems and capabilities. It allowed library staff to compare vendors in a tangible manner, and to make well-informed decisions on vendor approval plans.