Using a Decision Grid Process to Build Consensus in Electronic Resources Cancellation Decisions

Many libraries are expending an increasing part of their collections budgets on electronic resources. At the same time many libraries, especially those which are state funded, face diminishing budgets and high rates of inflation for serials subscriptions in all formats, including electronic resources. Therefore, many libraries need to develop ways to evaluate and perhaps cancel, their subscription electronic resources, while still maintaining a viable research collection. The authors describe the quantitative decision grid evaluation process used at the University of Maryland at College Park Libraries to successfully complete a major electronic resources review and cancellation project.