Collection Management Policies:
Electronic Journals

Main Collection Management Page

Guidelines for the Selection of Library Periodicals and Collection Development Policy for Electronic Resources both apply to Electronic Journals.

In addition:
Electronic journals should have the following characteristics:
a. Readable print - at least as good as  the print journal
b. Graphics should be of high resolution
c. Be available in PDF or other standard text browser
d. Multimedia aspects (sound, movement, etc) should display clearly with standard software

The publisher or aggregator should provide for:
a. Archival retention in electronic form of back volumes
b. Stability of URL
c. Cost of electronic journal either included with print cost, or available at same or lower price than print.
d. Mirror site
e. Technical support
f. No additional charge on part of aggregator to use their site

It is our preference that every contract should include the following:
a. Definition of USERS should mean whole campus community: students, faculty, staff, part-time or visiting faculty, and public patrons of library.
b. Scope of license should include searching; downloading; printing hard copy; citing material; using figures, excerpts and tables according to standard US Copyright guidelines.
c. Class B access (entire campus).

For sample licenses, standard agreement language, see the following web site:
        CIC Center for Library Initiatives
        Model Standard Licenses, John Cox Associates