Collaborative Relationships in E-resource Acquisition and Delivery: An Examination of Select Academic Libraries in Jamaica

Abstract

ABSTRACT Libraries within higher education institutions in Jamaica make tremendous use of information communication technology in their efforts to provide their users with access to electronic resources. Faced with shrinking budgets, currency exchange issues, and the increasing costs of electronic resources, it has become extremely challenging to fund these expenditures. These libraries must demonstrate value to parent institutions through the provision of electronic resources in support of online program offerings. Faced with an ongoing cycle of assessment for accreditation at the program or university level, libraries are also pressured to ensure that their collections are current and provide full coverage. Librarians have had to find innovative methods to maintain their current resources and, where possible acquire new ones amid these challenges. This paper highlights how libraries in higher education institutions in Jamaica have sought through collaboration to acquire and deliver quality electronic resources to their stakeholders.