ELECTRONIC
DATA (eBooks, eJournals, Databases, CD Roms)
Electronic
data presents several concerns.
It is often much more expensive than its print
counterpart. When purchasing electronic data on a subscription basis, if
the subscription is cancelled, often one loses all
rights to access the data, unlike serials for which we
have paid previously – the back issues remain in the
library. The
speed with which search results are returned are based
on whether the data is housed on the local machine, the
kind of search engine being used, and what traffic is
like on the internet.
Machines and software must be constantly upgraded
to access newer versions of the software efficiently.
Because of their substantial costs, purchase of
electronic databases is often fiscally difficult. The Libraries will cooperatively purchase databases when
possible. In
considering the merits of various databases, we will
consider these key attributes:
·
Potential
use
·
Remote
access for off-campus users
·
Amount of
full text
·
Cost and
whether consortia purchase is a possibility
·
Ease of
access
·
Quality of
interface/ease of use
·
Printing/emailing/saving
capabilities
·
Embargoed
titles and length of embargo time
·
Availability
of backfiles
·
Ability to
track use
·
Availability
of user documentation/training
·
Licensing
considerations
·
Graphics
capabilities
Associated
Information --
i.e. free web-sites of interest to students and
faculty.
Library Bibliographers recommend and maintain
appropriate sites for access through the Libraries’
WEB server.
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