Electronic Resource Management Systems

Quite honestly, I had a difficult time connecting with the material in this unit until we went to the computer lab to take a look at a management system (ERMes). It was difficult for me to conceptualize, probably because every library works with a different type of electronic resource management system, or works with one that they have created themselves. I can see how deciding on what type of system to use and who will be using it is entirely dependent on the size and the needs of individual libraries. You certainly cannot take a "one-size-fits-all" approach with these systems. During class, we looked at several different systems: EBSCONet ERM Essentials; a homegrown system from Columbia; Innovated Interfaces Millenium; and Serials Solution 360.

There are a few benefits and challenges that come with each product. A few of the benefits: ERM Systems improve overall management communication, there is auto population of data, and an ability to update information automatically/quite easily.

If you're working with EBSCONet, there is the added bonus of automatic management of all EBSCO materials. If you're library subscribes to many of EBSCO's databases, this might be a good option for you. However, for all other vendor products, ERM must be manually completed which is tedious and takes time. Any ERM system that requires manual data entry (and I'm not sure there's one that we went over that doesn't require at least some data entry) leaves room for error. Misspellings, typos, and entering in different license material occurs because usually a group of people will contribute to data entry, not just one person. This can throw an entire section off. This product was recommended for small - medium sized university libraries. One library (Kent State, I believe), even said this system would help them record and remember deadlines and contract deals. For them, it was better than working on a Google Calendar and Excel spreadsheets.

Innovated Interfaces Millenium and Serials Solution 360 can come as part of a package deal (link resolver software AND an ERM system all in one!) But once again, it depends on the type of library. At the University of Wisconsin, we use Ex Libris' link resolver software (SFX), but their ERM system (Verde) would never work for us due to the breadth and depth of our collection.

Each unit in this class adds one more corporation to the list of commercial services provided for libraries, specifically academic libraries. And with my Find It presentation this week, we'll be able to add yet another! Up to this point, the biggest lesson I have learned is to be patient and thoughtful with purchasing decisions - each product is slightly different and could potentially hinder certain areas of librarians' work.

A few Reading Notes:

Unit 9: Electronic Resource Management Systems

- Title by title management no longer works

- Homegrown systems became popular in the late 1990s/ early 2000s

- Strong focus on data standards, issues related to license expression and usage data

- Most companies now offer an ERM system as part of the ILS (interoperability is one advantage to working with one company’s product, but they are also at the mercy of the company for updates – could end up under supported)

- a few things to watch out for: does the system work well with what you already have?

- Is it reliable and sustainable?

- Cost?

- What is the cost of advancements vs the benefits to the user?

- Refer back to ERM checklist

- Implementation of a system: staffing (who should be involved, how they will be structured within the library, training, etc)

- Communication across library departments is key (especially with managing work flow)

- Questions to ask before selecting a certain system:

- 1. “What elements are important to include for you library?

- 2. “What elements are repetitive across license agreements and provide little value or are inconsequential in describing?”

- 3. “Who will be responsible for providing consistent interpretation of license language and meaning?”

- 4. “What tools or resources are available to assist individuals in the mapping process?”