The optimal E-portfolio for your library

licensing decisions and evaluation of electronic resources

Abstract

Objectives — By now academic libraries spend the majority of their budgets on electronic resources. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to develop a decision model which enables librarians to evaluate the efficiency of their databases, journals and e-books.
Methods — Within the framework of a comprehensive economic analysis all relevant costs and benefits of electronic resources are identified and operationalised on the basis of appropriate indicators.
Results — When applying the model it becomes apparent that an analysis of the overall performance creates a much broader foundation to decide about licensing electronic resources than costs per download alone. A valid database is an essential prerequisite.
Conclusions — Using this model academic libraries may evaluate their holdings and decide on the optimal composition of their specific “E-portfolios”.

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