Instant Access to Fund Accounting Information: Advice for Selectors and Acquisitions Librarians

One of the needs of selectors has been to obtain fund accounting information on demand. Most integrated library systems with acquisitions modules make it possible for selectors to view fund information online at their convenience. Fluctuations that occur in fund balances as orders are placed, invoiced, or canceled are more noticable when funds are frequently reviewed online. To help selectors interpret these fluctuations, acquisitions departments need to better define the timeframes or schedules for activities that cause these changes. At a medium-size academic library, arrangements were made for selectors to view fund records online in the DRA (Data Research Associates) acquisitions module. The steps followed are described along with other information to help selectors interpret fund transactions. Short cuts for running and printing the DRA Fund Nesting Report are also included.