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Electronic Resources

The aim of collection development at Boston University Libraries is to provide materials that support the curriculum and research needs of members of the Boston University community. Electronic resources include, but are not limited to, online journals, indexing and abstracting services, reference sources, and full-text books. Regardless of type, e-resources are selected to meet the research needs of a significant segment of the University community, and enrich our collections by improving access to information included in traditional formats or by providing information not available in those sources.

Scope

Boston University Libraries

This collection development scope for e-resources covers the Boston University Libraries: Mugar Memorial Library, the African Studies Library, the Astronomy Library, the Frederick S. Pardee Management Library, the Pickering Educational Resources Library, the Music Library, and the Science and Engineering Library.

This scope does not pertain to the collection development of e-resources at The Alumni Medical Library, the Boston University Law Library, the School of Theology Library, or the Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center.

Access

BU Libraries provides the broadest possible access to e-resources to the extent permitted by vendor agreements. Where a resource is of particular interest to the Libraries, we extend access to other University libraries wherever feasible. Where a resource provider seeks to limit access through prohibitive pricing, the Libraries provides for such restricted access on a case by case basis. Current DHCP IP address identification schemes in use in the libraries system prevent restricting access to particular terminals within a library. The Libraries does, occasionally, purchase CD-ROMs or passworded access to Web-based resources that imply restricted access. As a general rule, however, such forms of restricted access are discouraged.

Subjects

Many e-resources are selected for their coverage of specific subjects; others are interdisciplinary. All support the curriculum and research needs of the BU community.

Time Periods

E-resources cover both current and retrospective information and data sources.

Language

The majority of our e-resources are in English. E-resources in other languages are acquired when they are necessary for research in particular subjects and when there are no equivalent or alternative products available in English.

Geographic areas

All geographic areas are covered provided the e-resources reflect and support the academic disciplines taught at Boston University.

Publication areas

E-resources are published internationally. Products are not limited to commercial publishers and may include those published by non-profit organizations within and outside of the Boston University community.

Types of e-resources

E-resources covered include electronically produced and accessed indexes and abstracts, e-journals, e-books (individual titles and collections), reference works (encyclopedias, dictionaries, directories, handbooks), newspapers and subject specific news services, statistical products, subject bibliographies, and full-text documents such as literary works not published in book form.

Free e-resources

E-resources that do not require subscriptions and licensing agreements may be added to the collection provided they support the curriculum and research needs of the BU community.

Not Covered

This scope does not cover the Libraries’ Integrated Library System (ILS), i.e., the online catalog. It excludes instructional software and software programs such as PowerPoint. Also excluded are databases and data sets subscribed to or collected by researchers or other academic or administrative units on campus.

Selection Criteria

In most cases, the selection criteria for e-resources at Boston University are similar to those applied to print resources. The primary consideration is support for curriculum and research needs.

Academic Need

Academic need as demonstrated by faculty recommendations and feedback from librarians is a major criterion in selection. We consider target audience, giving preference to resources for the university student through professional research level. When possible and appropriate, we select e-resources that are interdisciplinary in nature and that can be used by a number of schools and departments. The language of a resource is another factor. We consider the possible interest of other Boston University libraries (Law, Theology, and Medical) and the availability of the resource in other Boston Library Consortium (BLC) libraries. The availability of the e-resource through an existing internal source (academic department) or through a local public library also may be considered.

Quality and Authority of the Resource

The dependability and reputation of the producer and provider are other important considerations when choosing an e-resource. BU Libraries evaluate the authoritativeness, comprehensiveness, timeliness, and uniqueness of the resource’s content. Indexing of a journal is an important asset, with attention given to journals that are included in scholarly indexes to which the library has access.The archival policy for material contained in the resource is another factor; BU Libraries prefer e-resources with a sound preservation plan that will enable the library to have archival rights to the material.

Usability of the Resource

Ease of use and access are considered when choosing an e-resource. Full-text content and, in the case of indexes, the ability to search across multiple databases through one interface, are among the considerations.

Licensing

Licensing of electronic resources is an essential component of the acquisitions process. As virtual objects, electronic resources imply no right of ownership for the library save those rights specified by license. Where practicable, licenses shall be reviewed to adhere in general to guidelines set forth in the NERL Generic License Agreement for Electronic Resources (copy on file in the office of the Electronic Resources Librarian).

Specific Provisions of concern to Boston University

  • Mutual indemnification between both parties to the agreement.
  • Venue to be Massachusetts (as recommended by the University Counsel).
  • Archival provisions to guarantee access to material following expiration of agreement (where possible).
  • Access to all campuses of the University (unless cost is an issue).
  • Access to off-campus faculty, students and staff.
  • Access to students, faculty, staff and walk-in users, e.g., alumni.
  • Off-campus access to alumni provided (if vendor policy, technical limitations, and cost permit).
  • Permission for use in course packs and reserves.
  • Permission for use for Interlibrary Loan with a preference for electronic transmission.
  • Avoidance of auto-renewals unless a multi-year agreement with specified payment schedules or price caps. Auto renewals must require sufficient advance notification of renewal by licensor.

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