CMRLS Cooperative Purchasing Policy

CMRLS will investigate cooperative purchasing discounts for products that members are interested in purchasing. Included may be expensive print materials, services, or databases. CMRLS will coordinate participation and negotiate prices.

When applicable, trials will be arranged to enable staff, patrons and faculty to evaluate the product. Access to these trials will be on the CMRLS homepage (www.cmrls.org).

CMRLS will attempt to negotiate discounts according to the following guidelines:

1. Members participating in ongoing discussions with vendors must disclose pricing information to CMRLS to be certain that CMRLS offers the most competitive pricing.

2. Once negotiations have begun, CMRLS will be the sole point of contact for the vendor. Any subsequent contact from the vendor concerning pricing should be followed up with a call to CMRLS to enable staff to work in the best interest of all members.

Invoices will be issued directly to participating libraries and payable within 30 days.

Adopted by the CMRLS Executive Board
October 7, 2003