TAL Consortial Comic Purchasing Program FAQ

Here are some common questions asked by TAL members regarding the TAL Consortial Comic Purchasing Program. If you have any questions please send them to Brian Lin at blin@thealbertalibrary.ab.ca

Do libraries need to participate in the TAL Comics User Group when participating in the TAL Consortial Comic Program

No. The TAL Comics user group is intended to compliment existing collection development resources available to libraries by providing comic and graphic novel expertise directly from library staff who provide collection development and readers advisory services in Alberta Libraries.

Do libraries have to pay for each copy of Diamond Comics Previews Shipped to them each month.

No. Libraries will receive a free copy of Diamond Comics Previews with each monthly shipment of graphic novels and comics they receive. Libraries will be billed $10 dollars for the first copy of Diamond Previews shipped to them to cover the shipping cost.

Is there free shipping, or a minimum purchase to get free shipping?

Since this is a new program, free shipping is not currently available. But as order volume and participation increases, this is something that will be revisited.

Will Partial Orders be shipped, or is the order held until everything has arrived?

Yes. Everything received for a library will be shipped to them at the end of each month.

Is there a way to check items available for backorder online?

No. Currently libraries will have to contact Variant Edition directly to find out what items are available for backorder.

Do damaged items need to be returned to get credit?

No. A picture of the item indicating the damage will be sufficient to receive credit for the damaged purchase.

Will updates be provided for ordered items that have delays/cancellations/postpontments and what's left outstanding?

Yes. Updates to outstanding items will be e-mailed to participating libraries to accompany outgoing shipments.

With orders being tied to Canada / United States exchange rate, will there be limits to how much items will cost?

Yes. Variant edition will not let the exchange rate go higher than what is quoted from Diamond at the of the order. Further to that, if the exchange rate is lower, then libraries will be billed the lower price.

What payment methods are accepted by Variant Edition?

Credit card, PayPal, certified cheque, and cheque.