| Abstract: | Abstract Librarians frequently have the opportunity to purchase Russian publications from nontraditional retail outlets, such as authors, book agents, or other independent sources, rather than book vendors. These transactions take place for a number of reasons, but generally they are done to acquire specialized materials that are not readily available through established outlets. In addition, the domestic price of Russian books is substantially lower than the prices charged by foreign vendors and as a result independent Russian purchasing agents can offer books at very competitive prices. Unfortunately, because these transactions do not follow established library procedures, they are often very labor-intensive and difficult to complete. |
