Electronic serials are becoming more prevalent in libraries. This talk was divided into three sections: selection, ordering and renewal. The speaker, Anne Rasmussen, was knowledgeable about the subject and how her particular library handled this newer format. She discussed the roles of the collection manager (the person who selects the material), the serialist (the person who works in Acquisitions) and automation (the person in information technology). She compared and contrasted print and electronic serials to the duties and responsibilities of each of them.

The selection process consists of content review, price verification, and access. In the print version a review is read, sample issues may be acquired, the price is verified from a print source or the vendor, and the location is decided. However, in the electronic version of a serial you also may need temporary access to the serial for testing, clarification of additional cost for remote access and simultaneous users need to be verified from the supplier, and location takes on a whole new meaning. Instead of which location/branch the serial will be physically, the location decision concerns remote access, equipment choice, number of simultaneous users, IP address selection and mode of access availability (i.e., does it run on Windows95).

The order process consists of the order request, order preparation, licensing, order transmission, special processing, consortial purchasing, and receiving. In the print version a standard order form is prepared and the purchase order is filled out and send in. Upon receipt, the piece is matched to the order and sent forward. The electronic serial requires building the initial bibliographic and order record and acquiring a license (reviewing, negotiating, and signing). Upon receipt, the license agreement is checked, the IP address must be received and tested and the online files need to be reviewed for security issues.

Renewals have just a few more steps in the electronic version of a serial. Access, number of users, and fees must be verified.

Print publishers have worked with libraries for years. Electronic publishers are still learning. There are many more issues and concerns with the electronic version of a serial. Communication among all the library staff, and communication between the library and the publisher is essential. This is a changing and evolving medium.