2016 Charleston Library Conference

Libraries have explored new acquisitions models in recent years, in particular the use of short-term loans (STLs) and demand-driven acquisitions (DDA) of eBooks. The reasons for embracing these options are diverse: shifting collection development practices, assuring use of purchased materials, coping with lower budgets, offering access to supplementary content, expanding library services, etc. Once a DDA/STL program is in place, it can be a winning situation for libraries and their users; libraries can offer access to larger eBook collections than they could buy outright and pay only when content is actually used. However, skyrocketing STL rates are now coupled with lengthy embargo periods - either for front-list titles or for all titles - and more publishers are walking away altogether.

Two years after their 2014 Charleston Presentation, "Earnestly Attempting to Roll with the Punches: The Impact of Publishers - Short-Term Loan Rate Increases on Library Acquisition Options," librarians from four small consortia will document the impact that changes in STL policies and rates have had on their programs over the past two years, what steps they've taken to control increasing costs, and whether they will tweak or continue their DDA programs over the next year. Join us for an open discussion about this overall situation and how it might play out in the long run.