Electronic journal collection management issues

Abstract

Introduces and analyzes basic library collection management issues regarding electronic journals, including selection, budgeting, policy making, collection evaluation, and preservation/archiving. Argues that staffing and budgeting for electronic journals can be organized on subject‐based or format‐based approaches, or some combination of both. Electronic journals are selected through the same three‐stage process used for print journals: identification, evaluation, and selection. Most of the traditional criteria for print journals are also applicable to electronic journals, but additional criteria are superimposed on them. The cancellation and weeding of electronic journals have not been addressed by the profession, but will assume more significance in the future. There is a need for new client‐centered evaluation methodologies that focus on availability and accessibility rather than ownership.