Collection Development in Cyberspace: Building an Electronic Library Collection

Casso, Gillian

Collection Development in Cyberspace: Building an Electronic Library Collection

Elkordy, A & Kovacs, D. K. (2000). Collection development in cyberspace: building an electronic library collection. Library Hi Tech, Vol. 18 Iss: 4, pp.335 – 361

Summary: This article describes the importance of expanding resources for patrons including those that are available in electronic format. As web based resources become more prevalent, librarians need to develop new skill sets and awareness. Librarians need to be able to identify, facilitate and educate library patrons on how to access electronic resources and when to use them. The creation of an e-library collection is one way of making sure libraries and patrons have the same kind of access to electronic resources as they had to traditional print resources. This article is a practical discussion of developing and implementing a collection plan for building a Web-based e-library. The article will also discuss patron needs, service levels and patron expectations. It will also discuss how and where to find, identity, evaluate and select appropriate information resources.

Evaluation: In the years that I have worked for public libraries I have seen electronic resources grow and expand. As these resources have grown librarians as well as libraries have had to adapt to the change. I liked how the authors defined what e-libraries and digital libraries are. It makes it clear to those readers who may be unfamiliar or unsure of the definitions of these terms.  I think that this article is a great resource for those who are interested in e-libraries and digital libraries. The steps that they give for developing an e-library and defining the patron base are logical. I found this to be an insightful article.