Analysis of format duplication in an academic library collection

Abstract

The issue of format duplication in academic library collections is increasingly complicated and perplexing in an environment of static or dwindling resources, soaring user expectations, dynamic access models, and inconsistent and changing publisher and vendor pricing structures. The problem is further complicated for libraries serving a university with multiple campus locations. This paper surveys recent investigative projects and highlights the work of a Duplicate Formats Task Force at Pennsylvania State University charged with determining the extent and nature of format duplication at that institution.

Measuring the value of library content collections

“…In theory, generating these statistics for online collections should be easier than with print. In practice, getting these statistics from across dozens of providers and hundreds of databases is no simple task and making sense of the statistics becomes a hurdle due to the complexity (Maple et al ., 2003; Montgomery, 2000). This complexity exists in the form of finding data logs, and understanding what gateways exist to these collections, as many collections can be reached from multiple methods.…”

“…An additional concern, because of complex packaging offers and large volumes of data to track, is duplication of content and the unfeasible costs associated with managing various formats, subscriptions, and indexes (Maple, Wright, & Seeds, 2003). Finally, understanding which content provides value becomes a concern as “different digital formats, interfaces, pricing structures, and access restrictions complicate our ability to evaluate journal resources using consistent measures” (Mercer, 2000).…”