Standards, the Structural Underpinnings of Electronic Resource Management Systems

Abstract

Electronic resource management (ERM) software is in the spotlight as a new management tool within libraries. Built to manage all steps in the lifecycle of an electronic product, ERM systems must interoperate with existing Integrated Library System (ILS), public service, and financial software already in use within the library. Although ERM software leverages and expands earlier standards work (MARC, Onix for Serials, openURL, metasearch, etc.), most contemporary ERM systems are built using the DLF-ERMI specification as the underlying guide for data element and functional requirements. Recent efforts, such as SUSHI and the License Expression Work Group, are defining new standards and protocols to address new ERM issues. Further, experience in the era of electronic resource management has pointed out the need for additional standards and protocols, which are discussed in this chapter.