Electronic Resource Management Systems: Solution or Disillusion? By: Willian S.A. Frias Head, Technical Services Unit De La Salle University Library
Electronic Resource Management Systems (ERMS) - systems developed to assist librarians in the control of licensed third-party resources published electronically license management, r enewal, l egal use, a ccess management, and c ollection development.
How can ERMS, ILS and other services in the library be designed and implemented is such a way that they all work together, providing a clear and seamless interface for library users and avoiding redundant work for library staff? Concern for the use of ERMS:
ERMS: Solution or disillusion?
Sample ERMS Open Source ERMS
a. CUFTS ERM of Simon Fraser University Library Sample ERMS Open Source ERMS
b. Sempertool’s Subscription Management Database
a. Innovative Electronic Resource Management Commercial ERMS
b. Serials Solution’s 360
Functions of ERMS 1. Single point of maintenance 2. E-book management 3. Public display functions 4. Collection evaluation Trial management Voting functionality for possible new resources Overlap analysis Usage statistics Cost-per-use analysis Integration with usage statistics software
5. License management 6. Workflow management 7. Reporting 8. Acquisitions data 9. Contact information 10. Cataloging 11. Interface customization 12. Online costumer service/training
The DLSU Library Experience 1. Public display functions EBSCO’s AtoZ
Webfeat
Collection management License management Workflow management Reporting, Acquisitions Data and Vendor Contact Information
Advantages Increase over-all acquisitions functionality Awareness of the need for targeted promotion and marketing Facilitating the use of library marketing options Quick set up of library branding Improvement in e-journals web presence Increased ability to set up and maintain full-text links Closer scrutiny of license terms and conditions Improved analysis on e-journal statistics
As a whole, ERMS Keeps the library up-to-date Enables the library to get more Catalyst Facilitator
Disadvantages Additional cost Redundancy Cataloging capability is limited
Solution of Disillusion? SolutionInteroperability Adhere to industry standards Enhance current ILS modules Develop specific ERM standards