How to Purchase Out of Print Books

[Aswini Masanta]

We have require some medical books , but vendors quoted that some books are out of print as noted by publisher, We have to purchase of these books for our student, what is the way to solve that problem.

[Munesh Kumar]

Dear Aswini

If the book is out of print then it is very difficult to get as we all know about it. There are two method to procure the out of print books either original or photocopy. First, communicate with Publisher and get details regarding the publication of that particular book, ask are they going to publish again? if yes problem is solved. If not then ask the contact details of their sales team and registered vendor for further activities. Once you get the contact details contact them as ask to supply if they have any copy in their stock. If they supplies the problem is solved at this stage. If they are also replying in negative then again communicate with publisher (may be copyright holder) and ask permission for photocopy and state them about the no. of copies which you need to do photocopy. If they gives permission for photocopy for learning and non commercial business you can switch to second level. Now the question might be raised, if they denied to do the photocopies then what to do? answer is plain, "Nothing". In such cases publisher and copyright holder will not deny.

Second, once you got the permission search the libraries where that particular books is available. Contact library authority and request them to provide photocopy of that books for library with the proof which permit you to do the photocopy. By this way you can get the photocopy of book for your library.
For doing all these activities you need to have permission from your competent authority, so it is advised to take approval for the same.

Thank You.

[Sarvesh Kumar Mishra]

Dear Mr. Ashwini,

As per my personal view, I would suggest you to check the book(s) with online vendors. If same books are available with more than single vendor in that case prepare a comparative of prices. Next,  write to concern person (indentor who have recommended the book) about the status of book (as out of print) as well as about the availability status of book(s) with online vendor(s) and ask him to write a note to your authority to take prior approval/permission for the procurement of books from online vendor(s) if the books are really important. If approval granted by your authority, take an advance of amount how much required and process the same. After receiving the books, just get it verified by the indentor and after accessioning process you must enter the accession numbers in voucher against advance (available with account).

This is just my personal view. Pl. write me again if I am wrong.

Happy new year.

Sarvesh Kr. Mishra