The development of electronic journals in the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)

Abstract

PurposeThis case study seeks to reflect upon the short history and rapid development of electronic journals (e‐journals) at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). It describes the scope of the journal migration project and its impact on library operations. UAEU (with over 16,000 students) is the flagship university in the UAE, and much farther along in the transition to electronic‐only access to journal literature than most libraries in the Arab world.Design/methodology/approachThe article begins with background information on UAE and its academic institutions, then discusses the development of e‐journals at UAEU starting with the rationale and decision to cancel print journals and move to an all‐e‐journal collection.FindingsThe author shows that e‐journals have added enormous resources to the collection, improved service, enhanced access to journal literature, increased its usage, and decreased the demand for document delivery of single articles. The author also indicates the challenges of offering e‐journals as “bundled” packages and UAEU's concern about the library's inability to remove irrelevant titles, control cost, and retain the freedom to make changes on its journal collection.Originality/valueSince there has been little or no discussion in the library literature on the impact that the increasing use of e‐journals has on academic institutions in developing countries, this case study of the UAEU experience should be useful to others in the Gulf region and in other parts of developing countries, as well as the library community in general.