Too Much Data? Never Enough! Cost-Efficient Collections Acquisitions Decision Making Through Data Analysis

Abstract

Libraries are increasingly called upon to efficiently use collection dollars in creative ways. Content needs are ever increasing, and, with the growing range of format and delivery options, finding means to identify resources that provide unique, or added, value is essential.Libraries regularly receive offers of sale pricing, or reduced pricing, for the subscription or purchase of multititle collections. Most often, these packages are for online content that the library may, or may not, have already acquired in one of the multiple formats available.In an environment of multiple formats, ISBNs and/or ISSNs per title, variable titles, and alternate imprint or copublishing, identifying the unique or duplicated holdings of library collections becomes a major challenge.The knowledge bases supporting booksellers, serials agents, and discovery tool providers strive to do a good job of linking content available in different formats and on different platforms.Although these vendors robustly provide alternate format, title, provider, and imprint data on a title-by-title basis, none of their administrative tools provide the library customer with the ability to easily compare aggregate data held in the knowledge base with data extracted from a title package list. This paper presents a description of library data needs and bookseller data provision goals, followed by a review of the power and functional limitations of current marketplace tools. Practical examples are provided of how these tools may be used to guide collection development and make wise acquisitions decisions. Library Data NeedsAs a top 20 ARL institution, the University of British Columbia Library is offered, or needs to seek, the purchase of monographic works in large batches.Some examples include a publisher's entire output as backlist or subject collection of hundreds to thousands of titles. As vendors frequently place time limits on offers, there is pressure to investigate the suitability and cost effectiveness of an offer quickly. Often, evidence must be provided to show judicious spending for large purchases, including lack of duplication of ordering, inclusion of titles from specific publishers, subject areas, or other criteria. Due to forward budget uncertainties, one-time-only purchases have become preferred over continuing subscriptions.There are few tools available at this time to identify duplicate content between different monograph platforms. The tools that exist should have low barriers to usage, but the authors find that this is not the case.