The processes and mechanisms of scholarly communication are changing rapidly. To ensure that our service continues to meet the needs of our members in this changing landscape, we run a large programme of projects and research.
Developing effective and sustainable business models for e-resources
Project Manager: Paul Harwood
The first phase of this research project reported on the current e-textbook landscape in the UK and in the US and identified potential business models to be tested. The second phase, which commenced in November 2009, is trialling four e-textbook business models with publishers and institutions.
Project Manager: Anna Vernon
The E-books for FE project provided colleges with over 3,000 free e-textbooks, but given the diversity of courses delivered in FE, it is necessary to explore how colleges can supplement this collection. Research was undertaken to look at the steps and business models that could help colleges towards wider acquisition and use of e-textbook. Read the migrating to e in FE report.
Examining the economics of bloc payments for e-journals
Project Manager: Lorraine Estelle
Better pricing and increased access to content can be achieved by institutions operating as a single bloc at a national or UK-wide level. However, bloc purchasing presents many challenges, for example, how should the total costs be shared between participating institutions? This project has researched the metrics and models for the redistribution of costs. Read the bloc payment methods for online journal agreements: models for the redistribution of costs report.
Project Manager: Vicky Legge
This project aims to create a database of the details of Gold Open Access articles (funded by UK academia and published by NESLi2 publishers) including relevant information from publishers, funders and UK HE Institutions to calculate the amount of fees paid for each article. This will allow a detailed view of the amount spent on OA by UKHEI’s per NESli2 publisher. The data gathered will be utilised in NESLi2 negotiations and to monitor developments, identify and share good practice among HEIs, publishers and funders.
Open Access scholarly e-monographs business model pilot
Project Manager: Caren Milloy
Print sales of humanities and social sciences (HSS) monographs are declining. The impact of this is high prices, less titles publishers and less research published, disseminated and shared. This project is collaborating with publishers and libraries to pilot OA business models and to evaluate the impact on research and publishing revenue.
Examining the needs and behaviours of modern students and researchers to inform resource development and licensing
Project Manager: Caren Milloy
During 2008 and 2009 this project gatehred critical evidence on how course text e-books are used by staff and students and the impact of free at the point of use on publishers print sales. A series of reports on student behaviours, the challenges facing librarians and impacts on publishers are now available. The recomendations from the final report are being taken forward by JISC Collections in collaboration with librarians and publishers.
Project Manager: Anna Vernon
The e-books for FE project has made available over 3,000 e-textbooks to UK FE colleges. The project continues to support the embedding of e-books in FE by providing tools, monitoring usage and negotiating discounts for new e-books available for subscription.
Project Manager: Mark Williams
This 2009 study looked at usability issues known as 'the discovery problem' within the UK HE / FE access management context. A lack of common approach to presenting user log-in areas has lead to many different variations and a confusing experience for users. The results of the study have informed current JISC Collections, JISC and REFEDS activities and we are working with publishers and service providers to improve the usability of their interfaces.
Exploring how innovative tools and technology can support efficient procurement
Project Manager: Liam Earney
Provides central support for the copyright clearance and management of the outputs of the JISC funded REPRODUCE project which develops, and runs technology enhanced courses using reused and repurposed learning materials. The outputs of the project includes advice, guidance and tools to support the use and reuse of learning content including, template letters, the Copyright Risk Register Tool and best practice guides.
Project Manager: Lorraine Estelle
We are working with Mimas, Evidence Base and Cranfield University to transition the Usage Statistics Portal from prototype to full service by the end of October 2010. The portal's primary aim is to assist and support libraries in the analysis of NESLi2 usage statistics and the management of their e-journals collections. Further information on the portal is available on the Mimas website.
Project Manager: Liam Earney
ADAT aims to help libraries to make informed decisions about future subscriptions to bibliographic and full text databases. The tool allows you to compare journal title lists, database and e-book platforms as well as viewing database dashbords and database title list updates.
Project Manager: Lorraine Estelle
Following an in-depth study into archiving options, this booklet was created to provide a starting point for institutions interested in investigating e-journal archiving options. It gives a practical guide to the solutions offered by 3 of the main long-term preservation schemes and provides an overview of the distinguishing features of each solution.
Project Manager: Liam Earney
Ensuring continuity of access to e-journal content is a key concern to libraries, in terms of both the need for long-term preservation and post-cancellation access. The PECAN project is investigating the policy, procedures and infrastructure needed to provide our members with guaranteed post-cancellation access to their NESLi2 e-journal holdings.
Licence comparison and analysis tool
Project Manager: Liam Earney
Managing the terms and conditions associated with different electronic resources continues to be a challenge for libraries. This project will provide a web interface to make it easier for libraries to find and compare licence agreements, and to communicate terms to end users. Machine readable licence expressions will also be made available to UK academic institutions to load into electronic resource management systems.
Service Provider Support Project
Project Manager: Mark Williams
This project aims to aid the adoption of access management by Service Providers and ensure a seamless and improved experience for users. Activity includes providing help, advice and recommendations to publishers on access management, supporting FE institutions achieving federated access to digital content and developing an international consensus on discovery and login issues.
