Patron-Driven Acquisitions: A Progressive Model for the Selection of Electronic Resources

Introduction

While PDA had its origins in the print world, the business model emerged in 1999 and was based on the knowledge that library patrons infrequently or never used many print monographs in libraries. Over time, it has become an effective and efficient model, which assures that materials purchased will be utilized; that precious shelf space will not be overpopulated; and that new learning modalities and evolving user needs will be met. It is gaining momentum and becoming a popular collection tool in academic libraries as it provides librarians an ability to vastly increase access to information to their constituencies. In this model, vendors are providing MAchine-Readable Cataloging (MARC) records for titles that match established library collection profiles. Later on, they are loaded into the library’s local catalog, which allows discovery by patrons, who play a central role in potential library purchases. Rather than obtaining materials in anticipation of possible use, PDA allows libraries to make materials available according to the needs of its constituencies.

The PDA model provides enormous opportunities for users and staff. The benefit to users is that they have seamless and immediate access to vast collections. The benefit to Subject Specialists is that their workflows in the area of collection development are streamlined, which allow them to focus on the acquisition of materials that address the special needs of their users. Further, it greatly reduces the need and the expense involved with Interlibrary Loan process for titles not held by the libraries. Finally, in the area of Acquisitions and to some extent cataloging, workflows are completely automated, smooth, transparent, and painless.

ASU is one of the largest public universities in the United States having five campuses. The ASU Libraries have relied heavily upon approval plans to acquire monographs, supplemented by librarian selection. In 2009, the ASU Libraries implemented a PDA model for electronic as well as print monographs for their patrons. Many reasons accounted for this decision including low circulation data, severe budget and staff constraints, and the realization that PDA would assist in providing students and faculty access to huge pool of potential titles. Two Librarians from ASU will discuss nuts and bolts of PDA, and will share the opportunities and challenges they encountered, as well as the sustainability of this model for ASU Libraries, which may be applicable to various types of libraries.