2014 Charleston Library Conference

For a variety of reasons, libraries have explored new acquisitions models, 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. As popular as these options have become, libraries do not undertake implementation lightly. It can be challenging to gain acceptance of the DDA/STL models and achieve a balance with traditional collection development practices. Once a DDA/STL program is in place, it can be a winning situation for libraries and publishers. Libraries can offer access to larger ebook collections than they could buy outright and pay only when content is actually used. Publishers can earn STL fees on titles that would otherwise not have been purchased, and benefit when more titles are made accessible by their customers. When libraries leave DDA titles in place, publishers benefit in terms of fees and purchases that accumulate over the long term.

An equilibrium of sorts was achieved between the new and old. But in May 2014, it was announced that several publishers decided to dramatically increase the cost of STLs for their DDA content, a decision that has caused widespread angst in libraries. Librarians from four small consortia will discuss their very different DDA/STL programs and their before and after scenarios: how DDA was working, steps or plans to address the impact of recent publisher decisions, and why DDA/STLs should remain an acquisitions option. Join us for an open discussion about this overall situation and how it might play out in the long run.