Fraser Valley Regional Library

This policy establishes guidelines for Fraser Valley Regional Library employees in the ethical attainment of the objectives of the purchasing function.

Fraser Valley Regional Library purchasing objective is to fulfill the library system's needs for material, equipment and services in a professional manner, at the most effective cost. This includes:

• Obtain maximum value for all expenditures.
• Consolidate material requirements wherever possible, thereby obtaining most favourable results in quality, price, delivery and supplier service.
• Promote good vendor relations within ethical limits, select suppliers with proven capability and integrity and ensure these suppliers perform.

It is intended that all purchasing, with certain exceptions, be conducted through the Purchasing channels that have been established for this purpose. The exceptions include (but not limited to) such items as:

• Collection development – Manager of Support Services

The Purchasing Unit is charged with the responsibility for making contacts with vendors. Occasionally contacts by others are necessary (see above election list) or desirable.

A sufficient number of vendors will be maintained to ensure adequate competition. A sufficient number of bids on higher priced items must be solicited to assure the buyer that they are obtaining the best possible value.