The media librarian must make the ultimate decision to purchase material. The procedures described encourage library community participation in the decision-making process, but the final decision rests with the media librarian. Budget, equipment, facilities, and potential use are but a few of the factors the media librarian will consider before making the final decision. This will permit the return of unwanted material. It is important to consider the potential number of uses of an item.
Rental charges are approximately ten percent of the purchase cost.
Consideration should also be given to cooperative acquisition plans and the cost of material maintenance, storage, and care. Using the procedure described helps assure the media librarian that extensive and systematic participation on the part of the library community has taken place. It also attempts to develop a collection that will be used. This process is not without its shortcomings, but it should not be rejected because of anticipated problems. And it should not be rejected because of the energy required for implementation.