Fundamentals of Electronic Resources Management: ALA Fundamentals

Managing electronic resources effectively is crucial in today's digital age. With the ever-increasing reliance on technology for information access and dissemination, organizations need to ensure they have a proper understanding of electronic resources management (ERM) to optimize their operations. The American Library Association (ALA) offers comprehensive resources and guidelines to help professionals master the fundamentals of ERM. In this article, we will explore the fundamentals of ERM as laid out by ALA and how they can benefit organizations in effectively managing electronic resources.

What is Electronic Resources Management (ERM)?

Electronic Resources Management (ERM) refers to the practices and strategies employed by organizations to effectively manage their electronic resources, including databases, e-journals, e-books, research portals, and other digital content. It involves acquiring, organizing, licensing, accessing, and maintaining electronic resources to ensure their availability and usability by users. ERM encompasses various aspects, such as budgeting, vendor relations, license negotiations, usage statistics analysis, and user support.

Fundamentals of Electronic Resources Management (ALA Fundamentals)

by Chuck Sambuchino (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5121 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	303 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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The Importance of ERM

In today's information-driven world, electronic resources form the backbone of research, education, and professional development. Effective management of these resources is crucial to ensure seamless access, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Poor ERM practices can lead to issues like inefficient license tracking, subscription duplication, access interruptions, financial losses, and user dissatisfaction. By implementing sound ERM principles, organizations can streamline their operations, optimize resource allocation, enhance user experience, and stay up-to-date with the latest technological advancements.

ALA Fundamentals of ERM

The American Library Association (ALA) recognizes the significance of ERM and provides guidelines and resources to help professionals understand and implement best practices. The ALA Fundamentals of Electronic Resources Management covers key areas that are essential for successful ERM implementation:

1. Policy and Planning: This involves developing a comprehensive ERM policy and strategic plan that aligns with organizational goals and addresses issues like budgeting, staff roles, collection development, and evaluation.
2. Licensing and Negotiation: Properly negotiating licenses with vendors and ensuring compliance with legal and copyright requirements is crucial. ALA offers resources to help organizations navigate this complex process.
3. Access and Authentication: Ensuring seamless access to authorized users while maintaining security is essential. ALA provides guidelines for implementing authentication systems and access management protocols.
4. Usage Data Analysis: Monitoring and analyzing usage data is vital for decision-making and resource optimization. ALA offers resources to help organizations make informed decisions based on usage metrics.
5. Collection Development: Building and maintaining a relevant electronic collection requires expertise. ALA provides guidance on collection assessment, evaluation, and responsible collection development practices.
6. Marketing and User Support: Promoting electronic resources and providing user support are critical for increasing utilization. ALA offers recommendations on marketing strategies and user support initiatives.

Benefits of Implementing ALA Fundamentals

Implementing the ALA Fundamentals of Electronic Resources Management can have several benefits for organizations:

• Efficient Resource Allocation: By effectively managing electronic resources, organizations can optimize their budget allocation, avoiding duplication and investing in resources that align with user needs.
• Enhanced User Experience: Seamless access, user-friendly interfaces, and comprehensive user support contribute to an improved user experience, increasing user satisfaction and engagement.
• Better Decision-Making: Analyzing usage data and other metrics as recommended by ALA allows organizations to make data-driven decisions regarding resource acquisition, cancellation, and optimization.
• Streamlined Operations: A well-executed ERM strategy simplifies workflows, reduces manual processes, and minimizes administrative burdens, leading to increased efficiency and productivity.
• Staying Up-to-Date: Following ALA's guidelines ensures organizations stay abreast of emerging ERM trends and technological advancements, remaining relevant in the digital landscape.

Electronic Resources Management is a crucial aspect of information management in today's digital world. By implementing the ALA Fundamentals of ERM, organizations can ensure effective management of electronic resources, fostering seamless access, optimized resource allocation, enhanced user experience, and informed decision-making. ALA's resources provide comprehensive guidance on various aspects of ERM, equipping professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complex landscape of electronic resources successfully.

Fundamentals of Electronic Resources Management (ALA Fundamentals)

by Chuck Sambuchino (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5121 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	303 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Recipient of the 2018 Association for Library Collections & Technical Services (ALCTS) Outstanding Publication Award

Whether it's networking with vendor reps or poring over data, the continually evolving field of electronic resources management (ERM) is always throwing something new your way. Alana Verminski and Kelly Marie Blanchat were once new on the job themselves, crossing over from research instruction and the vendor side of scholarly publishing. They share what they've learned along the way in this hands-on guide. Cutting through the complexity of a role that's changing rapidly, inside you'll find to-the-point advice on methods and tools that will help you stay on top of things, including coverage of such key topics as

the full range of purchasing options, from Big Deals to unbundling to pay per view;
conversation starters that will help build productive relationships with vendor reps;
questions to ask vendors about accessibility;
common clauses of licensing agreements and what they mean;
understanding the four types of authentication;
using a triage approach to troubleshooting hitches in accessing articles;
conducting an overlap analysis to evaluate new content;
the basic principles of usage statistics, and four ways to use COUNTER reports when evaluating renewals;
tips for activating targets in your knowledge base;
five steps to developing an effective marketing plan; and
how to master the lingo, with clear explanations of jargon, important terms, and acronyms.

This guide to ERM fundamentals will prove invaluable, both as a primer for those preparing to enter the field as well as a ready reference for current practitioners.