e-Reference Packages Task Force

about the e-Reference Packages Task Force

task force charge

Reporting jointly to the Public Services and Collections committees of the University Libraries, the e-Reference Packages Task Force serves as a central group for evaluating existing and new e-reference packages, and providing ongoing information and recommendations related to UB Libraries’ reference subscriptions supporting research and teaching.  Members serve one-year terms which may be renewed.

Tasks:

  1. Identify electronic reference packages and/or individual titles available to the academic market.
  2. Using the evaluation criteria defined in Ben Wagner’s article (“Take the E-Only Test,” Library Journal, November 15, 2005), identify, investigate, test and evaluate major e-reference packages, including arranging trial subscriptions and getting feedback from users and staff.  Major packages include, but are not limited to:
    — ABC-Clio
    — Gale Virtual Reference Library
    — Greenwood
    — Idea Group
    — Oxford Digital Reference Shelf and Oxford Reference Online
    — Routledge Reference Resources Online
    — Taylor & Francis
    — Wiley (see Sciences Team evaluation [PDF] from 6/22/2005)
  1. Provide a prioritized list of recommendations for purchase, change and/or cancellation, including cost information wherever available, to the Public Services and Collections committees on an ongoing basis. 
  2. Monitor changes in e-reference packages and report on implications and trends to the Public Services and Collections committees via white papers, reports and other methods.    

 

members

 

Content provider: B. Wagner
Comments: lib-staffweb@buffalo.edu
Last update: 8 May, 2006

about e-Ref Task Force

membership ::

minutes

e-Reference resources

recommendations

evaluations