There are several factors to consider when deciding to continue an eresource, including price, accessibility, uniqueness, and usage. Not only does usage tell us how often a resource is used, but it also allows for figuring cost per use. Cost per use takes the total amount spent on a resource divided by the number of times patrons clicked on a full-text link or ebook provided by that resource.
Keep in mind that cost per click is not the only metric used to evaluate eresources. A resource with a low cost per click may also have very low usage or not meet other criteria. Some databases, like those covering medical topics, are inherently more expensive than databases that cover broad topics, which would cause a higher cost per click even if the database is heavily used.
Due to a budget reduction, the Library was required to make considerable cuts to eresource offerings for FY 21 (1 July 2020 - 30 June 2021). Resources listed in red below were not renewed. You can view a comparison on the Library's FY 20 and FY 21 budgets as well as the Collection Development Policy in subsequent tabs.
The library's operating budget for FY 20 was $591,549. Spending was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and library closure from March to May. End-of-year budget reductions again halted spending in June.
The Library's FY 21 operating budget is $301,274, a 48% decrease from FY 20.
The majority of print book purchases come from academic department allocations, which allow faculty to request material they would like the library to purchase.
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