This presentation is co-authored by Marlena Barber, Assistant Director of Collections and Historical Services , East Carolina University, who was unable to attend the conference.
Medical practice books tend to become quickly outdated as clinical practice changes with ever-evolving research. For the past few years, Laupus Health Sciences Library has been ordering eBooks in addition to ordering books in print. Over time, the library has experienced a shift in increased eBook acquisitions versus print. At the same time, we have been deaccessioning outdated print monographs. Print book usage at Laupus Library has seen a decline since 2012, whereas eBook usage has experienced a large increase. Total book expenditures indicate a higher overall spend in print materials than electronic since 2012. Year to year collections expenditures have decreased overall for monographic materials with more of the budget emphasis placed on print formats, but recent years have shown an increase in eBook purchasing over print books. This presentation examines monograph expenditures and usage for the past six years at our library and implications for the future of our collection development practices.
