This article takes a broad view of the evolution of collecting behaviors in a network environment and suggests some future directions based on various simple models. The authors look at the changing dynamics of print collections, at the greater engagement with research and learning behaviors, and at trends in scholarly communication. The goal is…

This article discusses a project undertaken to assess the journals in a Big Deal package by applying a weighted value algorithm measuring quality, utility, and value of individual titles. Carried out by a national library consortium in Canada, the project confirmed the value of the Big Deal package while providing a quantitative approach for…

Discusses changes taking place in academic libraries and outlines the nature of entrepreneurship and innovation and their relevance to library development. Highlights include digital technology; the impact of changes in global learning and scholarly communication on library entrepreneurial opportunities; and a case study of entrepreneurial…

Focuses on information and written communications throughout American history. Discusses writing in several media, beginning in the mid 1400s; development of the scholarly journal in the 1600s; growth of academic libraries and the transformation of American scholarship; early views of higher education and libraries; the mission and developing…

Explores Digital Library development partnering as a strategic response to the problem of competitive convergence, and the value added to information by providing its "context of use." The latter is of strategic interest to libraries as the critical information need of library users shifts from information access to relief from abundance…