Consortial review and purchase of networked resources: the California State University experience

The California State University System (CSU) utilizes a cooperative buying program to provide a wide range of electronic resources at the lowest negotiable prices. The System’s Electronic Access to Information Committee (EAR) surveys campus needs, identifies and reviews resources, and makes recommendations for purchase. The CSU Software and Electronic Information Resources Office arranges product demonstrations and negotiates contracts. This paper reviews the history and operations of EAR and SEIR, the Principles for the Acquisition of Electronic Information Resources, and the Criteria and Recommendations for an Initial Core Collection. The advantages, disadvantages, and future of this approach will also be considered.