State University Libraries

Electronic Collections Committee

Subject Specific Working Groups

Charge and Objectives

Background:

The world of electronic resources within academic libraries has become increasingly complex.

More products are emerging; products that have been acquired are dynamic in content, access, and terms of use; pricing is volatile; vendors merge or cease; and technical issues arise.

Subject working groups have been formed under the umbrella of the SUL ECC to allow the subject specialists in the various subject areas to lend their expertise in the selection, retention, evaluation, and assessment of electronic resources. These groups will assist the ECC in their overall responsibilities to make the best overall selections of electronic resources, to review for renewal or cancellation, and to assist in the management of these resources. Additionally, subject working groups will share information that will be mutually beneficial to the group members in the rapidly changing environment of electronic resources.

Charge:

The Subject Specific Working Groups will make recommendations to the SUL Electronic Collections Committee on subject specific electronic resources that support the teaching and research within the State Universities. These recommendations will include selection and retention of subject specific resources.

Objectives:

1. Compile annual list of those resources currently funded by FCLA that the Subcommittee determined to be subject specific for the assigned area consulting http://allegro.fcla.edu:8500/FCLAdb/stats/fcladbs.cfm. Forward compiled list to Chair of the ECC. The ECC will resolve overlap that may occur with other Subcommittees.

2. Review use statistics at the overall and institutional level and determine cost/benefit at the SUL and institutional level for the identified titles. Make recommendations to ECC on retention of subject specific resources in advance of annual renewal.

3. Review list for possible movement to other platforms or vendors, noting cost considerations and any loss/gain of functionality.

4. Review new resources and current individual SUL subscriptions for any possible savings that might be realized through consortial purchases. These purchases can be funded through FCLA and/or the State University Libraries.

5. Create and forward to ECC a wish list of subject specific resources that are listed in priority order. This list should include description, pricing information, and why this resource is of importance to students and faculty.

6. It is desirable that a web site summarizing the work of the Subcommittee be maintained, either through FCLA or an institutional hosting of the site. Current membership along with email addresses and institutional affiliation should be listed, as well as identification of Subcommittee chair and the Subcommittee charge.

7. Establish timeline for meeting objectives.

June 18, 2004