This book, first published in 2002, examines how the transition to electronic resources in academic libraries has impacted traditional collection development policies and practices. Nine acclaimed librarians present their perspectives on the growing trend toward digital materials acquisition that is tipping the scales in favour of ‘access’ in the ‘ownership vs. access’ debate. The book provides insights on the use of electronic resources in major research libraries from data collection by JSTOR, a leading provider of digital resources to academic libraries.

A rich and diverse collection of theory, opinion, and observation, it offers a unique understanding of how libraries are meeting the challenge of reshaping their collection development programs with electronic resources—a process that is quickly gaining momentum. Contributors are divided in their beliefs on whether a balance is still possible between print materials and electronic resources in academic libraries.