Electronic journals – use,evaluation and policy

Abstract

Describes how a database designed to aid the management of electronic journals subscriptions at Cardiff University has been adapted to allow end-user access to these journals. Presents the results of a web-based survey of academic staff and researchers to determine their attitudes towards electronic journals. Sets these in the context of an institutional policy towards electronic journals. Draws conclusions of relevance to publishers, higher education information service departments, and academics themselves. Principal conclusion is that academics prefer to use electronic journals to print because of the ease of access, but do not feel that electronic journals are qualitatively better than print journals.