About Library Collections & Services

The University of Richmond Libraries first began developing digital collections in the 1990’s. First, the Libraries began building electronic collections by purchasing citation databases and then slowly branching out to electronic versions of traditional print reference works and collections of full text journals, poetry and books. In addition to purchasing commercially-produced resources, the libraries began to evaluate and collect freely available web sites. Access points to these open resources were initially made available through subject-specific web pages, and are now being added to the online public access catalog (OPAC). Increasingly, the Libraries seek to provide seamless access across our collections of online databases and quality web sites, as well as digitized versions of materials unique to the University of Richmond.

As of 2006, the UR Libraries have purchased subscription access to over 160 commercially produced databases that support the University’s curriculum. Special emphasis is placed on databases providing full-text access to scholarly content and primary source materials. The considerations of support for the UR curriculum, scholarly quality and full-text access remain constant and govern our long-term collection development strategy despite the changing nature of information technology and the information industry. The UR libraries seek to provide permanent access to high-quality scholarly materials in digital format for the greatest number of simultaneous users possible within the framework of software licensing agreements. When making a purchase decision, it is imperative to consider long term access, archiving issues, ability to interconnect with other electronic resources, and whether one is purchasing or leasing content.

Locating and accessing scholarly content using digital resources has become the preferred mode of research for faculty and students. Several reasons for this trend are the relative ease of access, ability to combine various activities, convenience of accessing research materials from home and number of multiple simultaneous users able to access a single document. As a result, the UR libraries have increasingly moved from print-based access to their scholarly journals and reference materials to digital access. To date we have access to over 18,000 full text journals, more than 160 databases, and over 48,000 e-books). Electronic access enables a greater number of users to access a wider array of titles. Whenever considerations of cost, the University curriculum and long-term accessibility to materials permit, we will continue to move from primarily print-based collections, to primarily digital collections.

The development of the library web pages—especially the Research Guides by Subject/Major—also contribute to the concept of the digital library. Early in the collection of electronic resources, the libraries were sensitive to the need to provide users with a simple, easily-understood interface, with easy access to the digital materials that will be most useful for their individual needs. We continue to explore computer applications and developing technology that will enhance the digital library experience and allow users seamless, integrated access across digital collections. In 2002 the Libraries invested in the creation of a “Journal Locator” web page. This service provides information on all the periodical / journal publications available to the University community as a whole, no matter the format. Users have the ability to search for a known item, or browse through alphabetical lists. Later that same year, the Library committed itself the OpenURL technology and the developing Endeavor product, LinkFinderPlus, an OpenURL link resolver. By making several citation databases open URL-enabled, we are able to take the user from identifying a valuable resource to linking them to the full text, whether it is available in digital format at the desk top, or traditionally in a print book or journal. Because this is a new technology with format standards to be established, it is just beginning to develop its role within the digital library. Also in 2002, the Libraries started the implementation work process for ENCompass for Resource Access (ERA). This Endeavor product performs federated searching of subscription databases and other digital collections created by the University of Richmond Libraries.

In 2003, we began applying our collection development skills to a different and exciting area, the creation of local digital collections. A digital library collection is maintained by the library, with responsibility for providing access and preservation into perpetuity resting solely with the University of Richmond Libraries. Currently the library is working on a variety of different digital collections; see Current Projects for more information.