Revealing strategies for resource allocation through structured interviews

Abstract

This paper reports on the methodology used to conduct a study on resource allocation strategies for electronic database services in academic libraries. This work is part of the Database Resources Research Groups overall examination into the development of database access in UK universities. This work has looked at the subscriptions, usage, and expenditure on electronic services. The aim of the resource allocation project was to examine the way academic library managers are developing strategies to deal with budget realignment, cost recovery and resource sharing as related to electronic services provision. The approach taken for this study was to conduct case study interviews with practitioners in the academic library sector. There are some limitations to this approach but it was used successfully to elicit a rich source of qualitative data. The paper discusses and assesses the methodology adopted in relation to the results desired and obtained. There is a particular focus on the findings regarding the organisational structure of the institutions surveyed and the training and promotion of electronic services within the information service.