S.W.I.N.G. Purchasing Coalition

The CORE Purchasing Task Force has identified a cost cutting library consortium, based in southwestern Virginia, that has also been used by libraries in NC and Tennessee. Member libraries in NC include Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Cleveland County, Alexander County, Albemarle Regional, and more recently Pender and Duplin public library systems.

SouthWest Information Network Group, usually referred to as SWING, is an association of over 100 public, academic, school, and special libraries. SWING's purpose is to negotiate contracts for books, periodicals and other materials, award scholarships, provide continuing education programs, publish a newsletter, and represent the viewpoints and concerns of its members.

Library systems can join SWING for only $150/yr and be eligible to choose discount schedules from most of the major library suppliers if the consortium discounts and terms are better than what are currently in place for your system. All the contracts are online at http://swing,ehc.edu. SWING is a non-profit organization and excess income provides scholarships to staff at member libraries who are enrolled in library science programs.

At last count, SWING had multi-year contracts with 23 book vendors and publishers, 5 serial subscription vendors, and 11 library supply vendors. The consortium has two part time employees, who are also library personnel. We contacted them for permission to promote it and the welcome mat is out for CORE libraries.

In order for a library to receive the SWING discounts, the member library needs to contact the vendor with their membership number. Once their account reflects their SWING membership, the vendor will apply the applicable discounts. Contracts are not automatically renewed at the end of the cycle. Visit the SWING website for more information or email Mike Taylor at taylorm@pender-county.com of the CORE Purchasing Task Force.

- by Mike Taylor