Benchmarking database access

In the U.S., R1 universities provide access to an average of 498 distinct databases — more than triple the number available at most Baccalaureate and Associate’s institutions. That’s according to a wide-ranging analysis by ProQuest, from Clarivate, of 171 U.S. academic library collections. The findings are published in a new report, Benchmarking Database Access in U.S. Academic Libraries, and offer an in-depth look at how collections differ across Carnegie Classifications and IPEDS funding tiers. For academic librarians navigating tightening budgets, shifting curricular needs and escalating demand for digital content, the report provides context and practical pathways for closing gaps.

Why Database Diversity Matters

Academic work has grown increasingly interdisciplinary, data-driven and global. As a result, the breadth of a library’s digital holdings can influence the quality of research and teaching it can support. This analysis reveals that resource diversity is not evenly distributed — and that those differences could impact student success, faculty recruitment and institutional competitiveness.

Across nearly every discipline examined — Historical Research, SciTech, Social Science, Arts, Business, Health Sciences and others — R1 institutions lead by a substantial margin, reflecting both their research-intensive missions and broader funding bases.

The paper also uncovers important strengths among other institution types. Masters and R2 institutions show notable diversity, especially in interdisciplinary collections and health sciences — areas where broad access is critical for large, varied student populations. Meanwhile, Associate’s and Special Focus institutions often maintain targeted depth, though with narrower overall coverage.

Funding As A Determining Factor

While institutional mission plays a role, the analysis confirms that funding levels are the strongest predictor of database access.

Libraries with $10M or more in annual spending offer the greatest number of databases in every discipline. For librarians already grappling with budget constraints, this reinforces what many know firsthand: even as digital resources become more indispensable, funding remains a challenge.

Peer Benchmarks to Guide Strategic Collection Development

Benchmarking Database Access in U.S. Academic Libraries includes discipline-level snapshots for R1, R2, Masters, Baccalaureate and Associate’s institutions. Comparisons that highlight where each group invests can help librarians benchmark their own collections within appropriate peer groups — an essential step in strategic planning and resource advocacy.

Beyond identifying disparities, the paper outlines practical strategies for strengthening access regardless of budget or classification. It also provides a framework for making data-driven decisions, advocating effectively and building more resilient, user-centered collections.

For any library leader seeking to understand how their holdings compare — and where strategic adjustments could have the greatest impact — this benchmarking analysis is a helpful resource.

Download the full whitepaper to explore the data, charts and recommendations in detail.