Ebb and Flow: A Selection to Access Workflow for Consortia PDA

In the traditional workflow for delivering electronic resources to patrons, acquisitions have been the bridge between collection development and cataloging. However, new Patron Driven Acquisitions (PDA) purchasing models have reordered workflows and reemphasized communications. The sequence of activities differs since e-book discovery precedes purchasing activities. Workflow complexities are further exacerbated in a consortia environment. The University of Colorado (CU) system collaborated to implement a consortium PDA pilot with Ingram Academic on the MyiLibrary platform in December 2011. This presentation provides an overview of the pilot program and describes the workflow used for shared selection, cataloging, purchasing, and assessment of e-books among five separate libraries. The presenters provide details on the most salient issues encountered at each phase of the process, such as: selecting pilot subject areas; developing a consortium profile; establishing best-practices for MARC record editing and loading; troubleshooting duplicated e-book titles at individual libraries; resolving invoicing logistics; and designing assessment criteria. It also covers strategies for implementing a PDA program and describes some of the issues that may arise in a consortial PDA program