[Eril-l] How do you manage database trials at your institutions?

[Marcia Thomas]

At Illinois Wesleyan, we do much the same as both Kalamazoo and Trinity --
only run "serious" trails that can be funded.  Librarians review and
prioritize databases etc. annually, unless the product is for one
department that has agreed to cancel a subscription in exchange for a new
resource -- then the liaison librarian makes the decision with the
department/program.  All trials are *supposed* to be managed by the
collections librarian, not the teaching faculty.

Marcia Thomas
Collections Librarian
Illinois Wesleyan University
Bloomington, Illinois

On Tue, Aug 23, 2016 at 1:39 PM, van Sickle, Jennifer <
Jennifer.vanSickle at trincoll.edu> wrote:

> We run trials anytime, though we try to avoid super busy times in the
> semester, or during the summer when the campus is quiet.  Our problem is
> that our trials may not get enough attention, or faculty will ask for
> something, then not respond to our feedback inquiries.
>
>
>
> I manage the trials and  keep a ‘wish list’ going, and we review and
> prioritize near the end of the fiscal year.  One time purchases are
> preferred if we can afford it.
>
>
>
> Hope this helps!
>
>
>
> --Jennifer
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Jennifer L. van Sickle M.L.S.
>
> Science Librarian and E-Resources Coordinator
>
> Trinity College Library
>
> 300 Summit St.
>
> Hartford, CT USA 06106
>
>
>
> 860-297-2250 phone
>
>
>
> *From:* Eril-l [mailto:eril-l-bounces at lists.eril-l.org] *On Behalf Of *Erin
> Gallagher
> *Sent:* Tuesday, August 23, 2016 1:49 PM
> *To:* eril-l at lists.eril-l.org
> *Subject:* [Eril-l] How do you manage database trials at your
> institutions?
>
>
>
> Good afternoon, collective wisdom.
>
> I manage e-resources in a small-ish, private liberal arts college; I’m in
> my third year in this position.  Here’s how I’m currently handling database
> trials:
>
>
>
> ·        I collect suggestions for trials throughout the year from
> librarians, faculty, and other users.
>
> ·        I set up and manage these trials twice a year: once in March and
> once in October.
>
>
>
> During my first year or so, I encountered issues with managing upwards of
> 10 database trials at a time, as “managing” includes a lot of up-front
> information gathering before we decide on new subscriptions.  Last year, to
> streamline the process, I enacted a “five at a time” rule, and I’ve stuck
> with it through our last couple of trial rounds.  Based on the volume of
> trial requests I’m getting for this semester, I’m concerned that limiting
> to five is too restrictive.
>
> I would love to hear how you’re managing database trials at your
> institutions.  Do you stick to specific months/times of the year?  Or do
> you manage trials as requests arise?  Do you allow faculty/staff to manage
> their own trials?  Do you place any limitations on what gets trialed?  Any
> other suggestions are greatly appreciated.
>
> Thank you in advance,
>
> Erin
>
>
>
> Erin Gallagher
>
> Electronic Resources & Serials Librarian
>
> Olin Library
>
> Rollins College
>
> 1000 Holt Avenue
>
> Winter Park, FL 32789
>
> *egallagher at rollins.edu <egallagher at rollins.edu>*
>
> (407) 975-6431
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Eril-l mailing list
> Eril-l at lists.eril-l.org
> http://lists.eril-l.org/listinfo.cgi/eril-l-eril-l.org
>
>
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.eril-l.org/pipermail/eril-l-eril-l.org/attachments/20160823/22e84c9d/attachment-0001.html>