Comparative analysis of e-book acquisition models: The case of Hacettepe University

In order to support educational and research activities, e-books have become a valuable part of library collections. Institutions should evaluate their e-book management processes, in order to create an accurate and balanced collection, by using their existing budgets effectively. In this context, one of the important issues to be decided in the management process is the e-book acquisition model. There are different e-book acquisition models offered by e-book suppliers, and these models are constantly changing, due to economic conditions and technological developments. A consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of e-book acquisition models is important for the evaluation of possible models, which will meet needs and expectations in the most cost-effective way. In this study, the effect of acquisition model choice on total expenditure cost, model preference changes relative to the discipline, and the unit usage cost of acquisition models were investigated. Within this scope, for the first time in Turkey, and based on actual usage data, e-book acquisition models offered by publisher and aggregator were tested, and cost and subject analyses were performed for the scenarios developed. It was concluded that for the publisher, the EBA (Evidence Based Acquisition) model, and for the aggregator, the DDA (Demand Driven Acquisition) model, in which Short Term Loan (STL) was used, were the most suitable models to use for the acquisition of e-books for Hacettepe University Libraries, and that total expenditure costs would be reduced, if these models were selected. E-book usage frequencies differed according to the discipline. Different unit usage costs were reached in different subject areas, depending on the total cost paid, and usage data. The budget of the library, the supplier conditions, and usage data affect the preference of acquisition models according to discipline. The results of this research, in which a comparative cost analysis of e-book acquisition models was performed, should be used in collection development and management. Usage data should be analyzed, and the most appropriate and economic acquisition models should be determined, in order that budgets are used more effectively.