The acceptance of electronic journals at Aston University

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Mallett, D.L.^a | Smith, A.M.H.^b

Affiliations: [a] Life & Health Sciences, Library & Information Services, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK. Tel.: +44 121 359 3611; Fax: +44 121 359 7358; E-mail: [email protected] | [b] Engineering & Applied Sciences, Library & Information Services, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK. Tel.: +44 121 359 3611; Fax: +44 121 359 7358; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Aston University embraced the concept of electronic journals early on, and has provided access to fulltext collections since the mid 1990s. Since 2000 access has been through the library catalogue and an electronic journals webpage, and over 2300 titles from a variety of sources are now available. Electronic journals are heavily used and very popular with academic staff and students. Their success can be attributed to reaching a critical mass before actively advertising them, careful promotion, user education and one-stop-shop access. The decision making process and managing access to different categories of electronic journals, such as those free with a print subscription and “the big deal” are discussed, and the advantages and disadvantages of electronic journals at Aston are considered.

DOI: 10.3233/ISU-2001-213-414

Journal: Information Services & Use, vol. 21, no. 3-4, pp. 197-204, 2001