Including Students in the Acquisition Process: An Evidence-Based Acquisition Pilot at Maynooth University Library

As a ‘user-driven’ acquisition model, Evidence-Based Acquisition (EBA), aligned with Maynooth University (MU) Library’s Strategic Plan 2016-2018 Action 3.3 to “Introduce new acquisition, budget and service models for the provision of collections which will benefit our user communities”. The Library embarked on an EBA Pilot following a scoping exercise in summer 2017. A cross-functional working group was established to implement the project. Suitable suppliers were invited to submit quotations based on mandatory and desirable requirements. Cambridge University Press was the successful supplier for MU Library. The additional resources were promoted in the University’s newsletter, on the Library’s webpages, on social media and by all staff at every opportunity. This new model resulted in over 30,000 ebooks being accessible 24/7 to registered staff and students from March 2018 to February 2019. At the end of the access period, titles were purchased in perpetuity based on usage and other criteria. Furthermore, it enabled the engagement of staff and students in the selection process based on their interaction with the resources. It also gave equal opportunity to distance and part-time students to register their interest and be part of the process