14 August 2024 Blogs, Academic, Community College, Librarian

Three ways ebook subscriptions help academic libraries save time and money

As time and budgets become tighter, libraries can optimize both without reducing the resources available to students

Academic libraries have long been at the forefront of integrating innovative solutions to enhance research and learning. One such pivotal development is the increased adoption of ebook subscriptions, topical and foundational titles which are aggregated into packages that libraries add in bulk to their collections.

ProQuest, part of Clarivate, a trusted ebook provider for more than 20 years, has been instrumental in this transition, offering the robust and reliable Ebook Central platform with its rich catalog of scholarly subscription content designed for libraries worldwide.

Here are three reasons academic libraries rely on ebook subscriptions from ProQuest:

    1. Expert curation of award-winning content

A ProQuest ebook subscription enrich collections with simplified access to a universe of award-winning, cross-disciplinary content. Drawn from publishers — both large and small – that are renowned in their field, the subscriptions span essential trade publications, textbooks, popular academic imprints, unique university presses as well as international publishers across 50+ languages. ProQuest’s team of in-house librarians are constantly reviewing our subscriptions to ensure they deliver:

      • Relevance: ProQuest subscription content is curated for students of all disciplines with resources to support emerging research on key topics in demand worldwide. Our librarians track NCES, Hanover Research and other statistics to ensure our subjects match your curriculum, enrollment and graduation statistics, as well as emerging degrees.
      • Return on investment: Subscriptions offer maximum value with high-quality titles available in affordable subscriptions with unlimited use. Content is added quarterly, at no extra cost.
    1. Accessibility and student engagement

One of the most significant advantages of ebook subscriptions is the democratization of access to knowledge. Ebooks offer a level of accessibility that print books simply cannot match. Traditional physical books, though invaluable, have limitations in terms of availability and reach. Ebook subscriptions break down these barriers, offering 24/7 access to a vast range of resources from anywhere in the world. This accessibility is crucial for fostering an inclusive learning environment where every student and researcher has equal opportunities to succeed. The Ebook Central platform delivers key advantages that include:

      • Support for remote learners: Ebook subscriptions ensure that students and researchers, regardless of their geographical location, have the same opportunities to access essential academic materials.
      • Support for diverse learning needs: Ebooks come with features that support various accessibility needs, such as adjustable text sizes, screen reader compatibility, and navigation features, making them invaluable for users with visual impairments or learning disabilities.
      • Enriched learning experience: Ebooks can be seamlessly integrated into course materials and reading lists, enhancing the overall academic workflow, supporting streamlined access, and increasing engagement for students. And with the advanced research tools of the Ebook Central platform, students can manage their research efficiently and effectively.
    1. Cost-effective and efficient resource management

Managing a library’s collection is a balancing act between time, budget constraints and the need to provide comprehensive resources. With ProQuest’s ebook subscriptions, libraries can optimize their budgets while maintaining a rich and diverse academic collection that meets the evolving needs of their users. Ebook subscriptions offer a cost-effective solution by:

      • Reducing acquisition costs: Libraries can provide cost-effective access to thousands of titles through a single subscription, often at a fraction of the cost of purchasing individual books—and gain access to thousands of highly vetted free scholarly titles with Open Access Complete.
      • Simplifying collection management: Digital content streamlines processes such as cataloging, inventory management and book maintenance, freeing up staff resources to focus on more strategic tasks.
      • Enabling flexible budget allocation: Subscription models allow for predictable budgeting and the ability to reallocate funds to other critical areas.

Academic Complete, setting the bar for two decades

For more than 20 years, ProQuest’s flagship ebook subscription, Academic Complete, has been a cornerstone in the academic ebook landscape. It has been the foundation on which ProQuest has built its wide range of subscriptions, creating the model for how to curate the best quality, most diverse content, ensuring libraries can confidently meet the evolving demands of their users. Academic Complete has set the standard for ebook subscriptions and enabled libraries to provide access to a vast repository of knowledge and serve their communities more effectively and inclusively.

As academic libraries continue to navigate the future, ebook subscriptions stand out as a vital component in providing equitable, efficient and engaging resources for all. Discover how ProQuest’s ebook subscriptions can unlock the full potential of your library's collection.

Want to know if you can get more ebook value with ProQuest ebooks subscriptions?

Let us run a complimentary Title Matching Fast (TMF) report that will match your library’s holdings to the titles available in our ebook subscriptions.

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