Choosing Resources

e-HLbc selects new resources using the following process:

1. An e-HLbc member submits an e-resource for consideration.
e-HLbc accepts suggestions for new products to license consortially via the e-box, an online communication tool available only to e-HLbc members. However, the e-box is accessible only when e-HLbc is accepting suggestions for new products. Librarians require a log-in and password to access the e-box (please info [at] ehlbc [dot] ca (contact the Administrative Center) to set up an account). The e-box also includes a forum, where librarians can discuss resources and share their experiences.

All suggestions for new resources are generated by e-HLbc members. These suggestions are assumed to be consistent with the mission and research goals of the submitting institution. Each institution is responsible for evaluating electronic resources according to their needs. All submissions must be resources related to the health disciplines.

2. Members complete the Ranking Survey
The e-HLbc Ranking Survey takes place in autumn. A designated staff member from each of the partner libraries is asked to vote for their library’s desired choices among the products nominated via the e-box. The results of the Ranking Survey helps establish e-HLbc's acquisition priorities for the coming year.

3. e-HLbc decides which resources to investigate further.
The e-HLbc Negotiations Advisory team looks at the results of the Ranking Survey and other criteria, including, but not limited to:

• Content - e-HLbc seeks a balance across a spectrum of health disciplines (including medicine, nursing, psychology, and general or cross-disciplinary resources). Resource content should be comprehensive, durable and accurate. In addition, content should be current and updated with appropriate frequency.
• Functionality - The resource should include novice and advanced search modes, text mode for visually impaired access, and OpenURL linking.
• Technical Requirements - The resource should support authentication methods facilitating access by all authorized users including off-site (remote) users. It should also support a variety of web browsers and versions, and be aligned with industry standards of interoperability. Resources must be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and provide adequate on-line help and documentation.
• Cost - e-HLbc seeks to give priority to licensing digital resources which offer economies of scale by benefiting the most e-HLbc partner libraries system-wide.
• Management - The resource should support site-specific customization, IP address updates, and usage reporting should be available via a well-designed administrative web interface. Also, usage statistics should be available and adhere to the COUNTER standard.

e-HLbc then selects 2-5 resources to investigate further.

4. e-HLbc coordinates and negotiates the licensing process.
e-HLbc coordinates and negotiates this process by

• Gathering information (e.g. background material, title lists, other relevant documentation)
• Arranging database trials
• Negotiating the best pricing
• Examining the license agreement and negotiating terms and conditions
• Acting as a point of communication between the vendor and e-HLbc's members

5. e-HLbc members pick the resource they want
Member libraries contact e-HLbc to join the Boutique Licenses. Libraries may acquire as many or as few Boutique Resources as they like.