The evaluation of electronic resources as a strategic factor in the decision making process: tools, critical points, feasible solutions

Abstract

The continuous increase of electronic resources in biomedical libraries involves a detailed analysis on their use, from the general impact on library services to the observation of statistical data and including also a monitoring of users’ customs. Starting from this framework the paper will focus the importance of some tools such as ISO library standards, statistics on the use of electronic products (e-journals, data bases, catalogues, etc.), surveys on users, in order to evaluate achieved results and to support decisions and management policy in the library. The study will analyse the features of statistics automatically generated by the systems of some of the most important publishers and library consortia, comparing the results and pointing out differences and difficulties in merging data originated from several sources. A short description of Counter project and its aims as a possible solution to this problem will be also included, such as a glance to ISO standards on Library Statistics (2789) and Performance Indicators (11620) for the aspects linked with the adoption of a common terminology and methodology of evaluation. The final purpose is to underline the importance of this tools and data in the decision making processes, first of all in the field of acquisition and subscription policy of the library.