Standing Order versus Subscription Order type

Standing Order type: Sirsi defines Recurring (Standing) Order Types as:

A recurring function order is a perpetually open order, with no known end date at the time the order is placed. An implied library-vendor agreement facilitates the receipt of certain materials without requiring individual orders from the library. Irregular serials and many annual publications are frequently purchased by standing order, with the vendor sending volumes to the library whenever published. Some publishers offer special discounts if a library purchases a monographic series as a standing order, rather than as individual volumes. Since there is no predictable production of the volumes, they cannot be paid for in advance as a subscription. The library accepts each volume as it arrives and pays for each individually.

 IUB uses Standing (Recurring) order type to place an ongoing order with no known end date at the point the order is placed. Additionally because of problems rolling over partially received firm orders, we use Standing orders for multi volume sets when not all the volumes in the set are published. Typically the invoice comes inside the piece—payment is made when material is received.

Subscription Order type: Sirsi defines Subscription (Dated) Order Types as:

A dated function order is an open order, with a known start date and end date at the time the order is placed. A subscription orders a publication issued in successive parts, typically with chronological or numerical designation, over a defined subscription period. Certain publications cannot be purchased or subscribed to directly. Instead, the library must become a member of the organization that produces publications. Often membership includes receipt of more than one journal. Sometimes membership privileges include discounts on the organization’s other publications. Ordering a membership usually involves membership fees, sent on a regular basis to ensure uninterrupted receipt of the membership publication(s). lkl 9/30/03  IUB uses Subscription (Dated) order type to place ongoing serial orders (whether subscription, annual or irregular). Typically for serials where payment is made once a year. However, we also use this for annual and irregular serials.

lkl 9/30/03