Electronic Resources and Collection Development

Book excerpt: Examine the effects electronic resources have on your library! Electronic Resources and Collection Development examines how the transition to electronic resources in academic libraries has impacted traditional collection development policies and practices. Nine acclaimed librarians present their perspectives on the growing trend toward digital materials acquisition that is tipping the scales in favor of “access” in the “ownership vs. access” debate. The book provides insights on the use of electronic resources in major research libraries from data collection by JSTOR, a leading provider of digital resources to academic libraries. A rich and diverse collection of theory, opinion, and observation, Electronic Resources and Collection Development offers a unique understanding of how libraries are meeting the challenge of reshaping their collection development programs with electronic resources—a process that is quickly gaining momentum. Contributors are divided in their beliefs on whether a balance is still possible between print materials and electronic resources in academic libraries. Among the topics they discuss: the growing demand for e-books the increase in the use of distance education digitalizing special collections building localized collections use patterns of electronic journals and much more! Electronic Resources and Collection Development is an essential resource for library deans, directors, and collection development librarians as they assess the levels of change in their libraries.