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Electronic Resources Australia: a national approach to purchasing

Roxanne Missingham (Australian Parliamentary Library, Canberra, Australia)

Library Management

ISSN: 0143-5124

Article publication date: 24 July 2009

1062

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to provide information and analysis of a national purchasing consortium for Australian libraries, Electronic Resources Australia (ERA).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines the political and library community factors, which influenced the development of a national approach to purchasing. It outlines the needs of users as expressed to a parliamentary inquiry, the four‐year national consultation and results of the first two years of operation of the consortium.

Findings

ERA now provides access to quality online resources for approximately 8.5 million Australians. The work has led to careful consideration of issues including subscription periods, governance, funding models, “best price” and collaboration with vendors for marketing and promotion. Further work needs to continue on marketing and product range to ensure the long‐term success of the consortium.

Research limitations/implications

While a comparison is made with the New Zealand model, EPIC, comparisons are not made with other consortia models.

Practical implications

Key issues in consultation could be applicable to library sector or national collaboration.

Originality/value

The paper provides insight into a model for which very detailed policy and practical development was required.

Keywords

Citation

Missingham, R. (2009), "Electronic Resources Australia: a national approach to purchasing", Library Management, Vol. 30 No. 6/7, pp. 444-453. https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120910982131

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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