Gale has announced the launch of a new purchase option, the Usage-Driven Acquisition (UDA) model for its Gale Virtual Reference Library (GVRL) e-book platform. The new model will enable libraries to purchase e-books "based on actual usage," allowing libraries to better perform "evidence-based collection development."
GVRL is part of Cengage Learning and is an award-winning platform, having been named "Best Overall Database" by the readers of Library Journal in 2012. The platform offers reference content and series non-fiction titles to all types of libraries.
To use the UDA model, libraries make an upfront deposit (minimums apply) and get access to Gale's digital titles—some 2,000 titles—for six months. At the end of the six month period, e-books with the greatest usage will be automatically added permanently to the library’s GVRL collection, and deducted from the library’s initial deposit. Once an e-book is purchased, libraries have unlimited, simultaneous use of the title.
In a release, Nader Qaimari, senior v-p, sales and marketing for Gale, said the program was designed to enable libraries to experience the Gale platform with little risk and to “enable them to make smart purchasing decisions that they can feel comfortable are meeting the direct needs of their user base.”
