Digital Resource Management

In his clear and informative article "Managing the Intangible," Doug Johnson outlines a basic process for managing digital resources, especially, online subscriptions and databases. He suggests that while digital collections are managed in similar ways to print and physical resources, there are some distinct considerations for managing the digital collection.
  • Needs Assessment/Collection Development
    • be familiar with what "free" resources your state might offer-- OSLIS
    • know your school curriculum to purchase additional materials as appropriate or necessary for your school
  • Resource Selection-- Choosing Wisely
    • good reviews can be hard to find for digital resources
    • utilize trial subscriptions-- in "real-world" settings when possible
    • there can be difficulties in previewing all aspects of a large collection-- video sharing, streaming content, etc.-- this highlights the importance of having a clear, proactive policy for complaints and objections about materials and access.
    • must consider operating system compatibility-- web-based vs. server based, ever changing operating systems, etc.
    • consider user interface and usability-- this needs to be as age-appropriate as the actual content.
  • Acquisition & Accessability
    • URL?
    • Password protected?
    • 24/7 access or just on-site?
    • pay close attention to subscription time frames-- negotiate, if possible, to extend or adjust to cover September to June
  • Promotion and Display
    • "Just because it doesn't fit in a display case doesn't mean you can't make it visible."
    • library orientation
    • instruction about new digital resources, for both students and staff
    • clear links on Web pages
    • signage and posters near work stations
    • set default pages for web browsers in the library to you LMC home page and/or links
  • Cataloging, Circulation and Control
    • online reference materials should be searchable and cataloged whenever possible
    • many E-Book distributors include MARC records
    • know the E-book circulation policies, rights and limitations
    • check links and portals regularly-- especially if there is a district IT department
  • Inventory
    • a good organization system is necessary-- not to track the materials themselves, but to track licenses and subscription information
    • site licenses are easiest to manage
  • Collection Evaluation
    • most vendors make it possible to track usage-- sessions logged, pages turned, etc.-- but, this just shows volume not helpfulness of resources
    • collect feedback from users
    • be cautions of evaluating and eliminating resources too quickly; sometimes it takes a few years for a good resource tool to catch on.

Another great article about digital reference resources, and how they have been adapting to be a better fit for our students can be found at  http://thejournal.com/articles/2011/03/21/notsoextreme-makeover.aspx
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