Abstract
Investigation of new e‐resource requests before a purchase decision is made can be very complex, potentially involving gathering information from various parties (publishers/vendors, library stakeholders), setting up a trial, gathering trial feedback, and making sure stakeholders are notified in a timely manner throughout of the investigation process. The University of Nevada, Reno Libraries approached this management challenge by creating a dynamic online form. With its front end originated in InfoPath and its backend database and workflow controlled in SharePoint, this form allows an automated process covering request submission, product evaluation, collection development review, and selection decision. All the information regarding a specific request is gathered into this form, with automated email notifications to stakeholders at each major step of the process. The front end of the form is designed to be very simple and user‐friendly, requiring only three pieces of information from liaison librarians: purchase request title, reason for request, and college with interest. Since the form was launched in July 2015, 100 requests have been submitted. This new form has saved a lot of staff time in managing and communicating about e‐journal/e‐resource requests, which translates to improved services for liaison librarians and library users.
Using Technology to Facilitate Pre‐Acquisition Workflows for Electronic Resources
Investigation of new e‐resource requests before a purchase decision is made can be very complex, potentially involving gathering information from various parties (publishers/vendors, library stakeholders), setting up a trial, gathering trial feedback, and making sure stakeholders are notified in a timely manner throughout of the investigation process. The University of Nevada, Reno Libraries approached this management challenge by creating a dynamic online form. With its front end originated in InfoPath and its backend database and workflow controlled in SharePoint, this form allows an automated process covering request submission, product evaluation, collection development review, and selection decision. All the information regarding a specific request is gathered into this form, with automated email notifications to stakeholders at each major step of the process. The front end of the form is designed to be very simple and user‐friendly, requiring only three pieces of information from liaison librarians: purchase request title, reason for request, and college with interest. Since the form was launched in July 2015, 100 requests have been submitted. This new form has saved a lot of staff time in managing and communicating about e‐journal/e‐resource requests, which translates to improved services for liaison librarians and library users.