Stretching Your Dollars: Saving on Online Content

This session, led by two librarians with decades of combined acquisitions experience, was based on the premise that although quality databases can be expensive and only the most fortunate of libraries have unlimited or even plentiful financial resources, there are ways to save funds on these resources. The presenters shared their knowledge about ways to stretch finite library acquisitions funds.

Linda Creibaum and Jeff Bailey emphasized tools and strategies attendees could use to save valuable funds on databases and subscriptions. Discussion topics included consortial and volume discounts, the advantages of taking a trial, the importance of keeping notes and checking invoices, strategies for maximizing funds on renewals, and the fine art of negotiation. There was also an open dialogue about some of the rewards to be gained from working with vendors, including free product time and even access to free products.