A Paradigm Shift: Transforming Collection Development to Meet the Needs of Users

Abstract

Objectives: For the past few years, this health sciences library has been ordering eBooks in addition to ordering books in print. Over time, the library has experienced a shift in increased eBook acquisitions versus print. The purpose of this study is to analyze expenditures and trends in usage by format and acquisition model to better inform collection development decisions.

Methods: This study will examine the expenditure data in combination with eBook and print usage for the past six years. Expenditure data will include approval plan purchases, standing orders, firm orders, and Patron Driven Acquisition (PDA) purchases. Usage data will include print circulation, eBook usage of perpetually-owned titles, and PDA usage. All raw data will be exported and analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Tables will be created to examine financial data, print circulation, and eBook reports by usage type for each fiscal year. Following this, trends will be identified and reported accordingly.

Results: Print book usage at Laupus Library has seen a decline since 2012, whereas eBook usage has shown a large increase. Total book expenditures indicate a higher overall spend in print materials since 2012. Year to year book expenditures have decreased overall for print and eBook materials with more of the budget emphasis placed on print formats, but recent years have shown an increase in eBook purchasing over print books.

Conclusions: This study has reinforced our current collection development policy and supported our trends in purchasing decisions. The use of eBooks provides many advantages including increased accessibility and the ability to provide more comprehensive statistical data. Limitations of this study are that subscription eBooks platforms were not included. Usage of this type of product when reviewed for assessment purposes has typically been substantial.