“Inside every fat man”: balancing the digital library budget

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this article is to review digital library collection building in the light of changing patterns of provision and usage, with special reference to mechanisms such as the Big Deal.Design/methodology/approachThe research for the article consisted of a review of recent literature and unpublished research reports.FindingsThe article reviews the current position with regard to the provision of e‐materials, looking at the delivery chain, the role of publishers, agents and librarians, user requirements and current approaches, trends, blockages and opportunities. It is argued that while the Big Deal approach has both improved access and cost effectiveness, a more granular approach is required as user requirements are likely to become more sophisticated. The article is concerned primarily with the UK higher education (UKHE) sector.Practical implicationsThe article will be useful in terms of planning future work on the economic aspects of library provision, and digital library development in particular.Originality/valueThe article presents a summary of the present position and possible future trends in the area of digital library collection building.