The potential of e-reserves for the Main Library, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad

Abstract

This article presents the perspective of an academic library in Trinidad and Tobago that looks to implement an e-reserves service. To provide such a service, the background preparation involves a survey of the subject literature and current library practices to assess the benefits and challenges of e-reserves. Other factors considered include increased access to local content and local copyright legislation. The implementation of the e-reserves pilot is discussed, followed by the pilot’s preliminary findings and lessons learned from the pilot experience. The article ends with a list of recommendations aimed at moving the project forward, given the service’s importance regarding increased availability and accessibility of core teaching materials.