Poster Board Number: 147
Title: Moving from a Print to Online Book Collection for Hospital Libraries
Objective: The hospital library book collection was outdated and provided limited access to most users. We developed a project in 2008 to evaluate a possible solution by moving towards a more robust online book collection.
Methods: Library services staff undertook a small-scale survey to assess users needs and preferences. We also performed financial analysis of print versus online collection building over a five-year period and evaluated the current state of the online book market, including purchase models.
Results: Our analysis confirmed that given our current challenges, it made sense to transition to an online book collection, retaining a small print collection for business continuity purposes. A five-year plan was developed, outlining print and e-book expenditures each year, with a goal of purchasing approximately eighty new titles per year, using a one-time purchase model where possible. This poster will show findings, steps taken, and progress toward implementation of our plan.
Conclusions: Analysis showed that moving toward an online book collection was the right decision. Usage data since then have affirmed our move in this direction.
Author: James R. Bulger, Manager, Library Services, Allina Hospitals & Clinics, Minneapolis, MN
