PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how, in many cases, the conversion of analog collections to digital collections is still a paradigm shift with regard to the ownership, use and enjoyment of the collections.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses how the inclusion of digital collections has led to a new licensing model that has changed the financial management and administration of budgets for the purchase of collections, starting with the acquisition of scientific journals for specialized centers and extending to all types of resource materials.FindingsIn the traditional library collection management model, the documents deemed to be most suitable for the libraries were chosen title by title, and the amounts paid were based on the volume of titles chosen. In the analog model, this resulted in a large investment in similar collections in libraries located in close proximity to one another. In research centers and related universities, attempts were made to make coordinated purchases. However, in most cases purchases were made individually, meaning that costs, and specifically direct costs relating to usage, were very high for a usage of journals in the collection which in many cases was very sporadic. The introduction of purchasing consortia in the electronic environment has led to an increase in the collections of all entities, as well as the rationalization of spending on collections, which is more closely related to the needs of the entities' users. However, the use of such consortia should be more extended and rather than being limited to large libraries or institutions, they should be made available to medium‐sized groups of entities which can benefit from these instruments.Originality/valueIf the possibility of accessing resources were to be increased through these consortia, the author suggests that it would be of great interest to include diverse materials such as films and music, etc. that may be of interest to other type of institutions, such as those serving the general public.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the importance of having conversations with staff regarding organizational change and financial futures.Design/methodology/approachThis article refers to several relevant works already published.FindingsThe book and articles discussed provide guidelines for preparing for and having staff discussions.Originality/valueThis point of view is based on the author's experiences and actions on related matters.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide insights into issues encountered in maintaining library technologies and electronic collections on a limited budget and with limited personnel.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses real world experiences and data to report on collection development decisions as they relate to electronic journals in an era of shrinking budgets and changing user expectations.FindingsEfficient and ubiquitous access to information has altered user expectations and needs, which in turn have altered the methods and means by which libraries provide services to users. Yet many academic libraries continue to use outmoded models and suffer as a consequence.Originality/valueThis paper examines the cost and usage of an individual journal title and the disparities between return on investment for the electronic and printed form of that journal. The author employs real‐world cost and usage statistics to make a case for shifting the focus of collection development from print to electronic subscriptions even if the online access is more costly.

Purpose – The article's aim is to illustrate why a library might compile a list of desired purchases.Design/methodology/approach – This is an opinion piece.Findings – In these tight budget times, having a current wish list is vital; if an unexpected windfall appears, a library should have priorities in order.Research limitations/implications – Areas of further study might include how or if libraries collaborate with academic departments to compile priority wish lists, and using sales representatives as library marketing to academic departments.Practical implications – Determining a way to keep priority purchasing lists visible is important.Originality/value – The article offers some ideas for a librarian compiling a wish list of resources.

PurposeThe purpose is to explore using databases of freely available electronic books as part of a library's collection.Design/methodology/approachThe paper considered whether expensive discovery services, an OCLC product, or an open source product would be practical alternatives to the current labor‐intensive system used.FindingsAn open source product introduced in 2010 called GIST Gift and Deselection Manager (GDM) appears to fit the author's needs nearly exactly.Research limitations/implicationsSince earlier Getting It System Toolkit (GIST) workflow products have a proven track record, the author would expect library students and practitioners to also experiment with the Gift and Deselection Manager.Practical implicationsAll can start using GDM anytime when they are ready, without spending any money.Social implicationsThe paper highlights an open source workflow option.Originality/valueThe paper notes that the Gift and Deselection Manager was released on August 16, 2010, an event of which some library professionals might not be aware.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider the potential utility for higher educational institutions, and in particular libraries, of the balanced scorecard (BSC) performance measurement tool, originally developed by Kaplan and Norton for use in businesses and since adapted for the public and non‐profit sectors.Design/methodology/approachThe relevant literature was reviewed to ascertain key aspects and functionalities of the BSC framework, survey implementations and determine perceptions of the system's effectiveness and weaknesses, and – while the BSC has as yet been put into practice only infrequently in libraries – treat its appropriateness for information service.FindingsThe BSC supplements financial accounting with non‐financial leading indicators to link performance drivers and outcome measures in cause and effect relationships that can predict future performance and drive a single organizational strategy. Also intended as a straightforward reporting “dashboard” revealing whether improvements in one area have been at the expense of another, the BSC is considered more effective as an aid in forecasting the overall health of an organization than traditional accounting‐based models. It provides a capacity to monitor obligations to stakeholders and to produce transparent and reliable financial information, and the resulting internal control environment can promote integrity and ethical values.Originality/valueAcademic libraries may find the BSC a useful approach in determining service value, in demonstrating fiscal responsibility, and – through metrics focused on organizational goals and strategy – in validating their role, as knowledge‐based and networked environments, in the delivery of a quality educational product to their customers.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to encourage caution when considering plans to migrate from physical materials to e‐materials.

Purpose This paper's purpose is to consider what goes into a well-done library personnel search beginning with the position announcement. Design/methodology/approach The paper states reasons for conducting a well-run search, defines general parameters for candidate contacts during the search and then discusses how to address specific points in the position announcement. Findings The paper finds that, in order to attract a qualified pool from which to choose, the position announcement must be both well-worded and substantive in the opportunity being advertised. Practical implications The practical implications of this paper have to do with saving time, trouble and money by hiring a good fit for library positions the first time. Originality/value The value of the paper is in learning what it takes to attract quality candidates for library positions.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine some likely scenarios for the future of academic libraries. Design/methodology/approach Ten scenarios concerning publishing, patrons and technology are discussed vis-à-vis their potential effect on libraries. Findings Thinking about the future is a necessary exercise for planning. Progress is inevitable and should be welcomed for its potential for positive change. Originality/value The paper provides useful predictions on the future of academic libraries.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to argue that when managing strategically, a library administrator might want to use cost-benefit analysis to justify spending and, consequently, would need to understand this methodology. Design/methodology/approach The paper discusses and gives examples to illustrate how others have needed a better knowledge of cost-benefit analysis. Findings It is helpful for library managers to have a proper knowledge of cost-benefit analysis. Practical implications This provides one methodology that librarians should consider when contemplating what purchases to make. Original/value This paper will help librarians better manage their libraries by making them aware of cost-benefit analysis.