Library Acquisitions in India with Reference to Good Offices Committee (GOC)

LIBRARY HERALD

Year : 2025, Volume : 63, Issue : 2

First page : (299) Last page : (311)

Print ISSN : 0024-2292. Online ISSN : 0976-2469.

Article DOI : 10.5958/0976-2469.2025.00021.4

Library Acquisitions in India with Reference to Good Offices Committee (GOC)

Amit Prakash Gupta1, Sanjeev Kumar B. SHARMA2

1 Library & Information Officer, Union Public Service Commission, New Delhi, India

2 Madhav University, Pindwara (Sirohi), Rajasthan, India

Abstract 

A considerable void has been created in the establishment of the standardized trade practices between the libraries and the publishing through the dissolution of the Good Offices Committee (GOC). This paper critically inspects the affect of the GOC on library resource acquisitions, that are mainly emphasising on the standardisation of discounts, terms of book supplies, and the fluctuating rates foreign exchange. It offers a historical analysis of acquisition challenges before the formation of the GOC, its emergent requirement, evolution, and the obstacles it faced over time, as well as whether it should have continued. Even though GOC rates and discounts are now considered illegal, since several librarians still rely on them for their simplicity, indicating the continual consequence of the GOC’s framework. This paper also outlines the stages that the libaries and the publishing industry be obliged to take to promote a healthier marketplace and better satisfy client needs, advocating for reviving a standardised system.

Keywords 

FPBAI, Book trade, Discount rates, Mark-up on foreign currencies