Applying Quantitative Methods to E-book Collections

• Main Author: Goertzen, Melissa J. (Author)
• Format: Book
• Language: English
• Published: Chicago, IL ALA TechSource 2017
• Subjects: Electronic books; Collection development (Libraries); Libraries and electronic publishing
• Online Access: Click Here to View Status and Holdings.

 Collection development activities that involve electronic content require knowledge of quantitative research methods. The ability to calculate cost per use, identify usage trends, and provide evidence for collection development decisions are essential skills in the digital age. Because of the dynamic nature of electronic resources, particularly e-books, it has been challenging to create standardized methods that support routine evaluations of collection materials. While the term quantitative analysis can seem daunting, I hope this issue...demonstrates that it is possible to hone quantitative skill sets and develop an evaluation framework for e-book collections based around readily available quantitative data sources regardless of the size of an individual library system or equipment budget"--adapted from abstract.