Abstract
The Orbis Cascade Alliance set out to create an e‐book program for its 36 member libraries. Unlike the single-library patron‐driven acquisition programs that we have seen in the past, this ambitious pilot needed to take into account the different discovery options and workflow requirements of 36 libraries and their varying size and technical capabilities. We will discuss the ideal makeup of an implementation team for a program of this size, how to assess the technical hurdles and what training must be provided, how to work with vendors effectively in this setting, and how to evaluate the success of a patron‐driven program, both during the program and afterward. We will include lessons learned that are applicable both to individual libraries considering patron‐driven programs and to consortia looking to provide a similar service to their libraries.
By Popular Demand: Building a Consortial Demand‐Driven Program
The Orbis Cascade Alliance set out to create an e‐book program for its 36 member libraries. Unlike the single-library patron‐driven acquisition programs that we have seen in the past, this ambitious pilot needed to take into account the different discovery options and workflow requirements of 36 libraries and their varying size and technical capabilities. We will discuss the ideal makeup of an implementation team for a program of this size, how to assess the technical hurdles and what training must be provided, how to work with vendors effectively in this setting, and how to evaluate the success of a patron‐driven program, both during the program and afterward. We will include lessons learned that are applicable both to individual libraries considering patron‐driven programs and to consortia looking to provide a similar service to their libraries.