2021–22 Outcomes Report

Survey Overview 

In 2021-22, BC ELN conducted its annual Ranking Survey, asking each partner library to identify, in ranked order the top preferences from the resources nominated through the BC ELN Resource Forum. 

• Twenty-three libraries participated, for a response rate of 70% (see participants at the bottom of the page)

• The top two ranked resources were: 

1. APA 7th ed. Publication Manual 
2. JSTOR 

Top Ranked Titles and Scores 

*please note, this table only shows the scoring of the top four resources

Negotiation Outcomes 

BC ELN explored the top-ranked resources and followed up with vendors to determine the feasibility of consortial licensing. The outcomes are summarized below: 

• APA 7th ed. Publication Manual: 2025 Update: The vendor now offers the APA Handbook as an e-resource with a consortial licensing options. TAL successfully negotiated an agreement on behalf of Consortia Canada in Fall 2025, which BC ELN offered out to libraries. In 2021, after reaching out to the vendor and inquiring about the options for consortial licensing, the BC ELN team learned that the American Psychological Association does not currently offer a consortial licensing option for electronic versions. If this becomes an available option in the future, BC ELN will revisit this resource. 

• JSTOR: The BC ELN Licensing Team worked on negotiations with the vendor for several months, but was unable to reach a successful deal as the vendor was unwilling to provide equitable and transparent consortial pricing that was not differential (i.e. more advantageous to new subscribers than existing direct subscribers). This did not meet BC ELN's Licensing Principles so a consortial offer could not be reached at this time. 

• IBISWorld: The BC ELN Licensing Team worked on negotiations with the vendor for several months, but was unable to reach a successful deal as the vendor was unwilling to provide equitable and transparent consortial pricing that was not differential (i.e. more advantageous to new subscribers than existing direct subscribers). This did not meet BC ELN's Licensing Principles so a consortial offer could not be reached at this time.

• JSTOR: The BC ELN Licensing Team worked on negotiations with the vendor for several months, but was unable to reach a successful deal as the vendor was unwilling to provide equitable and transparent consortial pricing that was not differential (i.e. more advantageous to new subscribers than existing direct subscribers). This did not meet BC ELN's Licensing Principles so a consortial offer could not be reached at this time. 

• ScienceDirect College Edition: The BC ELN Licensing Team successfully negotiated pricing with Elsevier, but after consulting with partner libraries, it was determined that there was no longer sufficient interest in pursuing a consortial deal. A consortial license for ScienceDirect College Edition may be revisited in the future if there is interest.

• Art & Architecture ePortal (A&AePortal: After a follow-up consultation with partner libraries, it was determined that there was not sufficient interest from libraries in pursuing a consortial deal. This may be revisited in the future.

• OpenAthens: After initial discussions with the vendor it was made clear that consortial pricing would not be significantly advantageous over direct pricing for institutions. This, combined with OpenAthens' technical issues co-existing with existing BC ELN software, rendered a consortial deal unfeasible at this time. If this becomes a more appealing option in the future, BC ELN will revisit this decision.

Ranking Survey Participants