Increasing our eBook Collections

In response to demand from those using our services and collections, the University Library is increasing its collection of eBooks.

For the past three months we have been trialling a system known as 'patron driven acquisition' (PDA). 

PDA involves adding 30,000 eBooks to our collections based on profiling  of our academic disciplines. These eBooks show to staff and students as part of these collections but are not acquired until somebody clicks through to use the eBook.  At that point an automated process is initiated to make the book available on loan. The first two loans are paid for as loans and if a third loan is made we buy the book outright.  All eBooks are on the EBL platform.

This process is invisible to customers except where the cost of the book exceeds our pre-set limit.  If this happens staff in the Library are asked to approve the purchase before it takes place. Users are told if the loan is pending in this way and then notified when the decision has been made.

The take-up rate of this service has exceeded our expectations and we are looking at ways in which we can expand the range of eBooks available using PDA in 2014. 

PDA does not mean that we are no longer acquire print books.  The Library continues to acquire print books as part of an overall strategy of providing access to resources that support the research objectives of staff and students.