For the unfamiliar ERes is a proprietary digitally based electronic reserve system that integrates within the institution's library management system and provides desktop access to high demand items in a digital format. This technology is in a number of Australian Universities and has revolutionised the way in which academic libraries internationally manage their high demand reserve items.
This slim, highly practical work examines how several US based academic libraries selected implemented and now use one of these systems Docutek's ERes a product that has been used in Libraries for over eight years.
This guide features a case study methodology and is a very informative collection of short articles from a variety of academic library sources. It is however, more than a handy guide and features easy to understand, well‐written practical steps in the management and implementation of this technology.
The case studies featured are comprehensive and cover:
The origins of this technology;
Technical issues and considerations with a succinct overview of hardware requirements and access (St Louis University);
An overview of the implementation and migration to the ERes technology (University of North Carolina) which is relevant for any libraries developing new workflows as a result of the introduction of this technology;
Project managing the implementation of ERes (University of New York). This features some interesting pointers in managing the introduction of this system from the ground up in a broader organisational context;
ERes and Fair Use and Copyright considerations (Colorado State University). Some interesting copyright management issues are raised and explored. Some relevancy here for Australian libraries attempting to balance fair use considerations against access demands;
Implementing ERes with other courseware and evaluation (Philadelphia University);
The benefits and pitfalls of using ERes as a courseware product and how it stacks up against specialist courseware packages (Widener University); and
A critique of ERes, with an outline and “wish list” of the areas in which further functionality needs to be developed within the software (Bucknell University).
These case studies are well written an most importantly highly practical and replicable in a variety of library contexts, think not only academic libraries, but also to corporate and other special library applications.
This is a timely, easy to read work for the information professional which is adequately indexed and covers admirably what practitioners need to know initially to successfully implement and manage the ERes system.
Recommended as a primer for any librarian or institution wishing to gain a quick understanding of this new technology with a view to implementation or general professional interest.
