Electronic Resources Collection Development Policy

• Introduction

  This policy addresses additional management issues involved with the collection of electronic resources. Electronic resources will be selected using the same basic principles as print and non-print media in accordance with the Karrmann Library’s Collection Development Policy and Procedures.

• Definition

  For the purpose of this document “electronic format” refers to those categories of materials that require computer access.

• Selection
  • Resources are selected for purchase using similar criteria as print selection, along with the library’s checklist for consideration of an electronic product. Whenever possible, the library will cooperate with the Council of University of Wisconsin Libraries Collection Development Committee (CUWL CDC) to take advantage of system-wide price reductions for products meeting selection criteria.
  • Groups involved in the selection process include:
    • Division Librarians and Collection Coordinators.
    • Karrmann Library’s Collection Development Committee.
    • Faculty, staff, and students.
  • Additional criteria to consider include:
    • Appropriate retrospective and current coverage
    • Spread of disciplinary coverage among selected titles
    • Duplication of content with other products
    • Basic and advanced search capabilities
    • Economies of scale reflected in print
    • Local and remote access
    • Ease of user interface
    • Minimal support required of library staff
    • Compatibility with current telecommunications and campus technological infrastructure
    • Adequate documentation, training and bibliographic services provided by vendor
    • Stability of the product
    • Flexibility and responsiveness of the vendor
    • High benefit but low cost threshold
    • Availability of usage statistics from the vendor
    • Inter-product links
    • Evidence of progress by vendors to meet the accessibility needs of those with disabilities.

Rev 11/07/02