Advantages and Disadvantages of Adopting Electronic Resources in Libraries

The advancement of technology has brought about changes in the services and collection development of libraries. (Mullen, 2013)  Along with the changes to libraries, the advancement of technology has also changed the way patrons prefer to search for information.  (Han, 2012)  Libraries were once viewed as a physical place where a person could search for information, conduct research, and borrow books. Presently, libraries are “no longer bound by walls” (Mullen, 2013, para. 2).  Libraries are now able to provide patrons with more convenient services, such as offering more electronic resources.  These services allow the patrons to visit the library virtually instead of having to physically walk into the library facilities.  (Mullen, 2013) 

According to Matt Goldner, the Product & Technology Advocate from Online Computer Library Center, Inc. (OCLC), the adoption of electronic resources provides library patrons with several benefits.  However, the two most important benefits are the quick and remote access to resources and the amount of resources available.  Instead of having to travel to the library, patrons can access resources electronically from virtually anywhere they have an Internet connection.  (Han, 2012)

Goldner also indicated several issues or concerns that go along with the use or adoption of electronic resources.  Librarians are concerned that many college students are using Wikipedia, search engines, and other online resources as their primary research resources instead of using library websites, electronic journals or online databases.  Librarians also have the task of managing electronic resources, which is very different from managing physical materials.  This task can be overwhelming because new kinds of electronic resources are constantly being introduced.  Since electronic resources have varying licensing terms, a librarian can find it very difficult and overwhelming to ensure compliance with licensing and access to electronic resources.  (Han, 2012)  The cost of electronic resources is another issue that librarians must address.   Librarians must decide if usage statistics justify the cost licensing or purchasing electronic resources.  (Koehn & Hawamdeh, 2010)

Librarians need to stay abreast of technological advances that affect the collection development and services offered by libraries, such as the use of electronic resources.  Library patrons reap the benefits of libraries adopting electronic resources, such as quick and remote access to resources and the quantity of resources available.  Therefore, librarians must address the issues and concerns of using or adopting electronic resources, such as cost and licensing issues. (Koehn & Hawamdeh, 2010)

The following video provides varying perspectives on the use of e-books or print books.

References:

Davis, J. (2012, December 17). E-books or print books? Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSUcncNFK74

Han, N. (2012). Managing a 21^st century library collection. Serials Librarian, 63(2), 158-169.

Koehn, S. L. & Hawamdeh. S. (2010). The acquisition and management of electronic resources: Can use justify cost? Library Quarterly, 80 (2), 161.

Mullen, J. (2013). How libraries thrive as technology advances. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jeanniey-mullen/library-technology_b_2671383.html