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Brentwood City Commission Agenda

Meeting Date:	07/12/2021
Approval to Purchase Periodicals Subscription Renewal From EBSCO
Submitted by:	Susan Earl, Library
Department:	Library

Information

Subject

Approval to Purchase Periodicals Subscription Renewal From EBSCO

Background

The John P. Holt Brentwood Library uses EBSCONET, EBSCO's subscription management platform, to manage approximately 250 printed periodicals (Magazines and newspapers). This is a complimentary service, with no contract, as the Library also purchases online resources from EBSCO. The Library has been using the service since 2010, after spending years trying to manage hundreds of subscriptions individually. Using EBSCONET to order our periodicals enables staff to order all the content through a single source, simplifying the management dramatically and maximizing staff time by taking advantage of vendor tools to increase efficiency.

How does it work? The Library submits at one time the renewal order for all the subscriptions that the Library provides to the patrons. This renewal encompasses continuing subscriptions as well as any new subscriptions staff are adding. EBSCO works directly with the publishers to renew those subscriptions and set up new ones. For those not familiar with this type of service, it works a lot like ordering groceries online from vendors like Publix or Kroger. Most people don't have time to order their food directly from farmers, meat suppliers, distributors, etc. Instead, they find what they need online on a single site and place the order, letting the grocery store negotiate with the individual suppliers.

The amount the Library spends is dependent entirely upon price of the individual title subscriptions. Periodical prices have been trending upwards in recent years, and this year that is expected to continue. Since periodicals are not checked out, quantitative data on usage is not available. However, qualitative data suggests this a popular collection for the patrons. The heavy wear and tear on issues is the strongest indicator that the Library is supplying what the patrons want. Also, whenever the Library experiences delays (courier issues, publications delays, etc.) staff receives inquiries from concerned patrons about whether we are planning to continue providing the print periodicals.

Staff Recommendation

Staff requests approval of the attached resolution renewing Periodicals Subscription from EBSCO.

Previous Commission Action

City Commission approved to Purchase Periodicals Subscription Renewal 2020-21 from EBSCO on 08/24/2020.

Fiscal Impact

Amount :	$11,108.66
Source of Funds:	General Fund
Account Number:	110-44800-82330

Fiscal Impact:

Funding is available for this purpose in the Library's FY 2022 adopted budget.

Attachments
EBSCO Invoice