E-Book Management: A Multiple Access Points Approach

Abstract

Currently no dedicated electronic-books (e-books) management system exists that effectively and consistently searches across different e-book databases. The University of South Alabama Biomedical Library has explored multiple ways to improve accessibility to its e-book collection, including federated search engines, WorldCat Local QuickStart, an Electronic Resource Management system, the online catalog, and alphabetical/subject lists.

Despite exploring numerous tools and approaches, biomedical librarians have yet to discover a single process to effectively and efficiently manage their e-book collection. Therefore, multiple methods are employed, including enabling title searches by uploading the e-book collection to Serials Solutions, listing e-books by subject and alphabetically, using WebFeat for cross-platform content searching, and employing location limits for e-books in the online catalog.

Although requiring disparate tools and methods, a multiple access points approach has currently proven the best e-book management system for the Biomedical Library's patrons.

KEYWORDS:

• electronic books
• electronic resource management

Notes

*AM (AccessMedicine); AS (AccessSurgery); EB (ebrary); MD (MD Consult); MO (Mosby's Nursing Consult); MY (MyiLibrary); NE (NetLibrary); OV (Books at Ovid); PO (Psychiatry Online); R2 (Rittenhouse R2 Digital Library); SR (STAT!Ref); HW (HighWire).