Translation of Quantitative Results to Collection Development Policies

Study results, combined with knowledge of the local user community, suggest that e-book collections are particularly supportive of "just in case" collection development activities; patrons often turn to e-book materials to support current teaching and learning activities. To expand on this idea, Collection Development recommends that subject specialists on campus consider at the time of purchase whether materials will be used for continuous (e.g., reading for extended periods of time, conducting in-depth research, exploring subjects in depth) or discontinuous (e.g., reference, citation confirmation, searching for keywords, skimming chapters) reading. [...]Collection Development is establishing an assessment framework that promotes continuous evaluation of collection materials. In reality, no e-book solution simultaneously meets both the "current use" and "future use" requirements.1 In some cases, it makes economic sense for libraries to purchase titles in electronic formats without consideration for long-term access. In other cases, it is appropriate to purchase materials for preservation purposes despite levels of current user demand.2 Today, it seems that the success of collection development initiatives relies on a balance between "just in case" and "just in time" strategies. [...]it is imperative for librarians to have a comprehensive understanding of how patrons intend to use specific e-book packages, subscriptions, and even titles. Evidence from quantitative analysis projects has consistently suggested that e-books support discontinuous reading behaviors (e.g., power searches, citation verification) as well as teaching and learning activities. Unresolved Areas It is important to note that e-books are still an evolving format; libraries and content providers are grappling with the...