How to make a dollar out of fifteen cents: tips for electronic collection development

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide tips for electronic collection development for libraries with a meager budget.

Design/methodology/approach

The information provided in this article is based on research on electronic collection development practices and the author's experience with electronic resources at small and large university libraries.

Findings

There are many useful electronic resources available for free because of the open access movement. Old ideas such as consortia and negotiating still help to keep costs at a manageable level for libraries.

Practical implications

Libraries will be able to maintain or reduce the costs they are spending on electronic resources, but still retain sources that fulfill their collection needs.

Originality/value

This paper combines new and old ideas and resources for electronic collection development into a short and easy‐to‐follow source.

Citation

Price, A.C. (2009), "How to make a dollar out of fifteen cents: tips for electronic collection development", Collection Building, Vol. 28 No. 1, pp. 31-34. https://doi.org/10.1108/01604950910928493