The landscape of e-journal management

Karen Fischer, University of Iowa
Hope I. Barton, University of Iowa

Abstract

Skills needed to effectively manage electronic journals are highly valued in libraries today. Some of these include sound technological skills, ability to analyze and prioritize well, knowledge of licensing, and ability to communicate with a wide range of people. Additionally, centralized vs. decentralized e(lectronic)-resources management is debated in many large libraries. A struggle exists between having a few people do all of the work related to electronic journals and resources (i.e., acquisitions, cataloging, and troubleshooting), and parceling out the work among units and integrating electronic journals work into the regular workflow of other materials of all formats. Larger libraries are under pressure to reorganize staff and work flows to accommodate electronic journals, but must make some large decisions before effective electronic resources management (ERM) can be put into place. This article raises staffing and workflow issues to consider when planning electronic resources management.