Overview of Electronic Resources

The scope of this policy includes electronic resource subscriptions, one-time purchases of databases, single e-journal titles and e-journal packages, individual e-book titles and collections, and electronic reference works (e.g. encyclopedias, dictionaries, directories, and handbooks).

When the library purchases electronic resources, these resources are made available to the entire university community—regardless of school or department—including distance students and those accessing electronic resources remotely. A major consideration when acquiring electronic resources is the provision of IP access both on and off campus. Whenever possible, the library prefers to purchase electronic resources that are made available on its website using the library’s standard access methods.

Purchasing and access to electronic resources is centralized through the library.

The library prefers ownership but accepts access-only agreements with electronic journal content providers as necessary. The library may provide multiple access points to online journals. Under certain circumstances, the library may purchase individual subscriptions to journals available in aggregated databases.

Ownership over access is preferred, but access-only subscriptions are also acceptable. When feasible and appropriate, the library strives to maintain perpetual access to electronic content.

The library builds its electronic collections based on recommendations from faculty, librarians, students, and other campus stakeholders. The library will review all recommendations based on its established collection guidelines and procedures.

Due to the high cost of electronic resources subscriptions, the Collection Development Group in consultation with appropriate library faculty and administrators, is charged with making cost-effective and balanced purchase decisions based on institutional needs. The Collection Development Group(CDG) is chaired by the Coordinator, Collection Development with support from the Director, Resource Acquisition and Management. The CDG meets periodically to review usage statistics and access data, and to provide a forum for discussion on the renewal and cancelation of print and electronic resources.

Lemieux Library recognizes student and faculty preference for online journal content and remains committed to providing access for the university community by the most appropriate means. 

Electronic Resources

The library provides 24x7 access to all its electronic resources. The library's responsibility in managing e-resources provides the following advantages to the entire university: 

• Access — Library provides simplified access to electronic resources on or off campus, and creates links to related resources.
• Licensing — Library negotiates licenses and contracts, and manages copyright issues through standardized procedures in cooperation with the University Counsel.
• Vendors — Library leverages existing vendor contacts and relationships, eliminates duplication of effort.
• Costs — Library pursues the best price possible through knowledge of market place, pricing models and special deals.
• Troubleshooting — Library works with vendors and technology to ensure uninterrupted access.
• Support — Library provides reference assistance, teaching/instruction, and user support.

Selection and Renewal Criteria

In general, the selection of electronic resources reflects the library’s collection development practices.

The potential purchase of each digital library resource will be weighed against specific criteria, including but not limited to:

• need for content and/or format
• lag time and/or embargo
• ease of use, ease of navigation
• timeliness of updates
• years of coverage
• license terms
• overlap with existing collections
• interoperability with other products 
• access must be available via IP range
• must be available to all Seattle University users
• cost structure
• availability of funds
• cost must be in relation to the value
• costs of updates, upgrades or maintenance fees
• technical considerations
• potential need for staff support and end user assistance

Trial Policy

The library selectively conducts trials of electronic resources. Students, faculty and/or library faculty representatives and librarians may recommend an electronic resource trial.  The library reserves the right to decide the feasibility, timing, and scope of a trial. Trials will be initiated for only those electronic resources that meet the library’s technological and service requirements. The library will consider the purchase of electronic resources based on trial feedback and other factors.

Consortia Purchasing

The library participates in the Orbis Cascade Alliance consortium in order to leverage the advantage of aggregated purchasing agreements and resource sharing for library resources. Lemieux Library seeks consortial licensing opportunities whenever they serve the best interests of Seattle University.