Handbook of Electronic and Digital Acquisitions

Citation

Lee Eden, B. (2007), "Handbook of Electronic and Digital Acquisitions", Collection Building, Vol. 26 No. 4, pp. 137-137. https://doi.org/10.1108/01604950710831960

This book is a practical guide for librarians involved in the process of evaluating, choosing, managing, and purchasing electronic resources for their libraries. This includes digital objects such as electronic books, electronic journals and full‐text databases. There are several useful case studies included, as well as worksheets, templates and evaluation checklists.

After short introductions of the editor, contributors, and a preface, seven chapters deal with various aspects of acquiring electronic and digital resources. An overall examination of the topic is provided by Doris Van Kampen in Chapter 1, where basic copyright law, interlibrary loan regulations, e‐reserves, and fair use are explained. In Chapter 2 Linda Neyer provides a more detailed discussion of copyright and fair use regarding electronic resources, along with some recommended web sites. Audrey Powers describes her experience with evaluating databases in Chapter 3. Collection development strategies for online aggregated databases are provided in Chapter 4. Chapter 5 by Ricky Best describes selection criteria and budgeting issues for electronic resources. Chapter 6 discusses the topic of choosing virtual reference software. Finally, Chapter 7 examines how library acquisitions services can be enhanced through the incorporation and use of electronic data interchange and vendors.

Overall, this is an outstanding collection of useful information for anyone involved in selecting, evaluating, and purchasing electronic resources for their library.