Risk Analysis of an Electronic Journal Collection

Abstract

The decision-making process to move a library's periodical subscriptions from print to electronic versions involves a careful analysis of the risks involved as well as the benefits to the library and the institution. The benefits of electronic journals to a library include easy access to journal contents throughout the institution, completeness of journal contents, availability of supplemental, electronic-only content, space savings, time saved from elimination of journal processing, and no need to bind journal back issues.

Some of the risks involved in electronic journal collection development are lack of continuing control over access to content, embargo of current content, and varying content of journal packages. There is increased reliance on electric power and Internet service for journal content with electronic journals. Analysis of the risk involved in an electronic journal collection involves a thorough analysis of the institution's tolerance for risk, the library's mission, and the availability of technical support for electronic access within the library and the institution.

Key Words:

• Electronic journals
• collection development
• risk/benefit analysis
• health science libraries