V.j. Suseela

Electronic Journal Databases: an Analytical Study of Cost and Usage V.j. Suseela

The ?Electronic Journal Databases: An analytical study of Cost and Usage? discusses the issues associated to the university libraries subscriptions taking the case of IGM Library, University of Hyderabad (India) for the period 2001-2006. It examines the availability of core titles in the databases, the usefulness of other journals packaged in them (quantitative benefit), the cost benefit and the impact of usage on these benefits (proportionate quantitative and cost benefits) and also to assess the monitory benefit accrued to library. A statistical model was developed based on the ranks of databases/disciplines obtained from these benefits to test the concordance among the benefits (ranks) by applying non-parametric tests like Kendall?s Coefficient of Concordance, Chi-square. This model helps to draw criteria to select/renew/deselect the expensive databases while supporting in managerial decisions such as augmenting additional financial resources. It further helps librarians and academicians in utilizing grants judiciously to facilitate effective collection of journals. The methodology can be applied for many databases covering number of years in organizations, libraries, consortia.