Collecting for the researcher in an electronic environment

Abstract

Against the historical background of the growth of research collections, the scale of developing electronic information is examined, along with its implications for established principles and practice in collection building and service delivery. Existing practices must extend and ultimately change to accommodate the different nature of electronic information. Aspects discussed include selection criteria, effective resource discovery, and the role of metadata and electronic search tools. New developments in resources sharing are indicated. Changes in the physical environment of research collections are discussed, along with the current uncertainties about disposal of hard copy in favour of electronic formats. The need for sound technical planning and support is noted, and the new demands on information specialists are identified. These relate particularly to services which offer advice, guidance and value‐added provision for the researcher. The article concludes that research collections are becoming hybrid resources, extending and enhancing provision for the research community.

Citation

Coutts, M.M. (1998), "Collecting for the researcher in an electronic environment", Library Review, Vol. 47 No. 5/6, pp. 282-289. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242539810218726