Paoshan

We typically consider several factors when switching database vendors.
Price, of course, is a consideration, but price isn't the only issue.
One consideration is how well particular databases play well with
others, so to speak. It makes sense to keep some things with the same
vendor, especially if databases are often used in conjunction (for
instance, it makes sense to have PsycInfo and PsycArticles with the same
vendor).

We also try to keep in mind the end user, and how databases are actually
used.  For instance, some topically similar resources really work much
better for the user if they are on the same platform, especially if it's
easier to do a search across multiple databases.  Saving a few bucks may
make sense from the acquisitions standpoint, but if it results in a
harder-to-negotiate interface or a major loss of multi-database
functionality, usage may go down.

Another factor we consider is customer service and tech support from the
vendors.  If we're getting poor tech support and/or shoddy service,
we're much more likely to change vendors.

We also run trials and solicit input from all our librarians about new
resources before making decisions to change vendors. We have switched
vendors for a dozen or so major resources in the last year using these
very general guidelines, and it seems to work pretty well.

When we do change vendors, we try to do it in the summer to minimize the
dreaded "this looks different, what do I do?!" impact on our users.
This gives our reference and instruction librarians time to revise their
reference guides and instruction scripts, and lets us alert our academic
community that we have made some interface changes prior to the academic
year. Our reference/instruction librarians typically offer workshops on
the new interfaces to help with the transition.

Gene Hyde
Acquisitions Librarian
__________________________________________
McConnell Library ~ Radford University
PO Box 6881 ~ Radford, VA 24142
540-831-5692 (phone)
540-831-6214 (fax)

-----Original Message-----
From: SERIALST: Serials in Libraries Discussion Forum
[mailto:SERIALST@LIST.UVM.EDU] On Behalf Of Paoshan Yue
Sent: Thursday, December 01, 2005 1:01 AM
To: SERIALST@LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: [SERIALST] Switching vendors for same databases

Some databases are available from a number of different vendors.  What
do you do when Vendor A offers to sell you a group of databases which
you have already subscribed to from Vendor B?  Do you consider every new
offer that comes your way?  Or, do you have a general guideline about
when to consider switching vendors for same databases?

Thanks,

Paoshan Yue
Electronic Resources Access Librarian
Getchell Library / MS 322
University of Nevada
1664 N. Virginia Street
Reno, NV 89557-0044
Tel: (775) 784-6500, ext. 344
Fax: (775) 784-1328
E-mail: yue@unr.edu