2016 Charleston Library Conference

Investigation of new e-resource requests before a purchase decision is made can be very complex, potentially involving gathering information from various parties (publishers/vendors, library stakeholders), setting up a trial, gathering trial feedback, and making sure stakeholders are notified in a timely manner throughout of the investigation process.    The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) Libraries approached this management challenge by creating a dynamic online form.  With its front end originated in InfoPath and its backend database & workflow controlled in SharePoint, this form allows an automated process covering request submission, product evaluation, collection development review, trial setup, and selection decision.  All the information regarding a specific request is gathered into this form, with automated email notifications to stakeholders at each major step of the process.  The front end of the form is designed to be very simple and user-friendly, requiring only three pieces of information from liaison librarians: purchase request title, reason for request, and college with interest. 

Since the form was launched in July 2015, 73 requests have been submitted.  This new form has saved a lot of staff time in managing and communicating about e-journal/e-resource requests, which translates to improved services to liaison librarians and library users.
The posterr will address the challenge of managing pre-acquisition activities, discuss UNR's homegrown solution, and encourage attendees to share their experiences.