To E or not to E …

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide insights and commentary into issues encountered in maintaining library technologies and electronic resources on a limited budget and with limited personnel.

Design/methodology/approach

Uses real-world experiences and data to report on collection development decisions as they relate to e-books, specifically demand-driven acquisition (DDA) models, in an era of shrinking budgets and changing user expectations.

Findings

Efficient and ubiquitous access to information has altered user expectations and needs. Many libraries have greatly expanded their holdings of e-books in an effort to address these changes. Some have investigated DDA models to place more control in the hands of the library users, despite an aversion on the part of some librarians.

Originality/value

This paper examines the changing nature of study habits among college students and intimates that some of the decreases in average time spent studying outside of the classroom can be attributed to increased efficiencies in locating and acquiring information and knowledge. The paper suggests DDA as a logical next step in the continued evolution of the modern library.

Citation

McMullen, A. (2014), "To E or not to E …", The Bottom Line, Vol. 27 No. 2, pp. 46-48. https://doi.org/10.1108/BL-05-2014-0015