This comprehensive presentation of the Request for Proposal (RFP) process shows librarians how to successfully prepare RFPs when determining which vendors to use for purchasing library materials. Contending that the straight bid process, where only costs and discount rates are considered, does not offer the best options for libraries, the authors provide information on every facet of the RFP process--from philosophical and pragmatic reasons for writing an RFP to evaluation of responses and awarding of contracts to transferring titles and evaluation of vendor services and products. All of...