Abstract

All library and information professionals involved with collection development are currently confronting the challenge of how to make informed decisions in the face of the bewildering array of electronic resources available. This practical book addresses the situation by guiding the information professional step-by-step through building and managing an electronic resource collection. It outlines the range of electronic products currently available in abstracting and indexing, bibliographic, and other services and then describes how to effectively select, evaluate and purchase them. Electronic resources are a fast moving area so the new edition of this invaluable guide has been brought completely up to date; emerging new areas such as Virtual Learning Environments and reading/resource list software are considered, and the helpful bibliography of sources is expanded. This invaluable guide identifies best practice and highlights the pitfalls involved in building an electronic resource collection, and the case studies and models used are fully international in their application. This is an essential book for the professional or student new to e-collection development, as well for the experienced practitioner.
Stuart D. Lee MA PhD is Head of the Learning Technologies Group at Oxford University Computing Services. Frances Boyle MSc is Electronic Resources Manager, Oxford University Library Services.
"...an excellent guide, clearly set out, very thorough and a useful tool for anyone involved in the selection process." - Internet Resources Newsletter
"Read and digest this book and you will be equipped to roam the wide plains of the electronic landscape." - Ariadne "I have no hesitation in recommending this book both as a quick read to get an overview of the subject and also as something to keep as a handy reference tool." - Freepint