Criteria for Full-Text Databases as Part of a Collection Development Policy

ABSTRACT

Issues surrounding the purchase of full-text databases by small hospital libraries and the development of standards for acquisitions are the focus of this article. Considerations include library strategic planning, content, material format, duplication, coverage/completeness, ease of use, archiving, licensing/copyright and affordability along with any recommended standards by various library groups including MLA. Potential effects of purchasing decisions, not only on individual libraries, but upon the information delivery system as a whole are described. Finally, full-text database criteria formulation is advocated for inclusion into a library's collection development policy. Available online and print sources relating to these issues are provided for further information.

Key Words:

• Full-text databases
• collection development
• licensing
• copyright
• interlibrary loan