Auckland Libraries face interruption to magazine supply

One of the suppliers of Auckland City Libraries’ overseas magazine subscriptions has been placed in voluntary administration, potentially affecting Auckland City’s ability to obtain certain magazine issues.

Rowecom Australia Pty Ltd was placed in voluntary administration on 16 January 2003 following the public announcement of the financial difficulties of its American-based parent company, Divine Inc.

Divine is one of the world’s largest subscription agencies supplying public, academic, corporate and government libraries worldwide.

Auckland City’s Group Manager – Libraries, Allison Dobbie, says it is difficult at this stage to ascertain exactly which magazine subscriptions will be affected as a result of Rowecom’s financial situation and for how long.

“We are working closely with the administrators and other creditors so that we are in a position to act quickly once Rowecom’s financial affairs are resolved,” she says.

In the interim, a list of potentially affected magazines has been compiled and staff are looking at buying copies from alternative sources.

About a quarter of Auckland City Libraries’ magazine subscriptions are purchased via Rowecom.

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