Mode of Acquisition

The method of acquisition of information sources is popularly known as 'mode of acquisition'. Traditionally, the three modes of acquisition are Purchase, Gift and Exchange.

i. Purchase 

After selection process, the selected materials can be purchased directly from the publishers or their agents, distributors or any vendors depending upon the policy of the library.

ii. Gift 

Non-commercial organizations, educational institutions and people who have strong affinity with the libraries from time to time donate their collection or information materials to libraries. Occasionally an author may also gift a personal copy of his/her book to the library. Therefore, gifting is also one of the established methods of acquiring materials.

iii. Exchange 

The library may acquire materials, especially the publications of other institutions in exchange of its own publications.

iv. Online Acquisition 

Online acquisition method is more suitable for digital materials. In this process, a library can download material from the publishers' or vendors' portal and make payment online.