Measuring the Use and Value of Electronic Journals and Books

Theme: Collection Development and the Internet

Abstract

Much has been written on issues pertaining to licensing and archiving of digital information. Until recently, there has not been enough information to evaluate how these digital products, particularly journals, are being used. Furthermore, meaningful data are often difficult to obtain as some publishers and vendors supply little or no data or only information they feel supports the purchase of their products. As it becomes increasingly difficult to afford all digital content, librarians must be able to measure digital use of e-journals and books in order to make the best purchasing decisions for their institutions. Librarians must develop their own solutions as well as solutions in collaboration with publishers so that better evaluation of digital content use can occur.