E-journals at the British Library: from selection to access

Abstract

• The British Library is embracing e-technology across all aspects of its work and this article concentrates on e-journals. The Library is facing some real challenges in use of the medium from licensing issues to the question of legal deposit of electronic material, both of which are outlined in the article. A code of practice for the voluntary deposit of non-print publications is in place between publishers and legal deposit libraries, covering offline electronic media, but deposit of print serial issues is still rising. E-journals are purchased for both reading room reference and remote document supply and statistics show that reading room use of e-journals is increasing. The Library is increasingly working with others and sees partnerships with similar institutions as the best way forward.