David Baker is a former principal (chief academic and administrative officer) of the University of St Mark and St John in Plymouth, UK, and Wendy Evans is chief librarian in the same institution. Both authors have considerable experience in managing digital collections and a substantial record of publications, including Digital Library Economics: An Academic Perspective (Chandos, 2009).
This book is a collection of case studies, each authored by well-known players in the industry. Based on the theory behind and research into digital libraries, it presents the how to practical aspects. It is divided into four chapters. Chapter 1 is an overview of main issues; it sets up the basic concepts that are further covered in the book in the form of case studies. In Chapter 2 the fundamental issues of sustainability of a digital library are presented, and how to make the operations economically viable. Further, Chapter 3 provides examples of economic models utilized in the information industry, as well as tools to help determine economic aspects. Finally, Chapter 4 contains an analysis of the case studies previously discussed within the framework of the functions of digital libraries.
This is a valuable resource for library staff involved in the management of digital collections. The case studies are about well-known products such as JSTOR and Project Muse, with an emphasis on crucial issues such as business plans, resource allocations, digital publishing models and cost-benefit analyses. The book also addresses many significant issues in the economics of digital libraries. This is a very handy resource for digital library administrators, students in information science programs and persons interested in the business of publishing. It is recommended for university libraries, large public libraries and libraries involved with digitization programs.
