Assessing the Borrow Direct engineering e-book pilot

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an assessment of a one-year pilot exploring the joint purchase of e-books via demand-driven acquisition (DDA) conducted by engineering librarians from seven members of the Borrow Direct interlibrary loan partnership. Also provided are observations that may inform future initiatives of a similar nature. Design/methodology/approach – The author presents a case study approach and examination of the results. Findings – The pilot was discontinued as a result of dissatisfaction with its configuration, but it did offer significant financials savings as well as provide accessible copies of mutually acquired titles to each member. The pilot also offered several lessons that can inform future joint e-book endeavors. Originality/value – Multi-institutional joint e-book DDA acquisition has been attempted elsewhere; however, what is unique about this pilot is that it was managed by seven independent institutions without a central legal entity to oversee it. This paper is a follow-up to the author’s presentation at the 80th IFLA World Library and Information Congress, August 16-22, 2014, in Lyon, France.