From an email sent out to Technical Services on August 20, 2002:

"All supply requests that are forwarded to Ellen Blair or Bob Almony must have my signature (this is per Bob's request). If they can't immediately understand why an item is requested, or if they think we could do without it, they will bounce requests back to me for further information. Therefore I need enough information "up front" to make a decision about whether to sign a request or not. If I don't have the information I will have to track it down and delay approving the request.

For each supply item being requested I will need to know who is requesting it and/or who will use it, what the item will be used for (in detail) unless it's something obviously basic like pens or computer paper, and how long the supply will be expected to last, if known. Bob and Ellen have asked us not to order more than a 6-month supply of anything. I realize this is inconvenient but in today's budget climate we must scrutinize our use of resources more stringently. In the vast majority of cases requests are approved and sent forward; occasionally we've been able to identify unnecessary expenditures and even unnecessary procedures that we could eliminate and save money. If I am thinking about rejecting a request I will get back to you or the department head to discuss it first.

Thanks in advance for your help. Please be on the lookout for ways to economize in the use of supplies. No economy is too small at this point, from choosing to use a piece of scrap paper instead of a post-it to folding an envelope closed instead of taping it shut. And finally, please remember to check your work area for supplies you may not be using that could be returned to the supply room for someone else to use.

Thanks, Alice"