13.6 Tips, Practical Advice, and Lessons Learned

• You will want to check with other depository libraries that are going through the process of transitioning collections or services.
• Cooperative collection development and interlibrary loan can also provide access within a local area to rarely used items. Documents Data Miner 2, state plans, and consortia members can provide assistance with these activities.
• Be ready for change! Remember that unlike tangible publications that are received, shelved, and remain static and predictable, an electronic collection is an “organic” one. Persistent identifiers, such as Persistent Uniform Locators (PURLs) or Handles, will prolong access but the publications themselves may change over time. Embrace change, and use a positive attitude to help your users and stakeholders accept change.
• Today's internet-savvy consumers expect immediate and continuous access to online resources and services to meet their needs.
• Cataloging the library's EL "selections" assists researchers with identification of publications of most interest to them and uses the library's primary publication finding tool, the OPAC, and treats depository publications comparably with other publications in your OPAC.