EResources

Eresources, or electronic resources, are digital materials that can be accessed primarily over the internet or an institution's network. This category encompasses licensed content such as e-journals, e-books, databases, streaming media, and software tools, as well as open access resources and data repositories.

Access is typically controlled through authentication methods such as IP authentication, proxy servers, or single sign-on. Discovery and access tools—library catalogs, discovery layers, and link resolvers—help users locate items and navigate from citations to full text.

Eresources are usually acquired under licenses negotiated by libraries or institutions. Terms vary and may include subscription periods, perpetual access, embargoes, usage limits, and renewal conditions. Usage is commonly tracked with standardized metrics such as COUNTER to inform budgeting and licensing decisions.

Management tasks include license administration, access provisioning, metadata maintenance, and preservation planning. Libraries also monitor platform reliability, accessibility compliance, and vendor support to ensure ongoing access for users.

Advantages of eresources include remote access, fast search and retrieval, up-to-date content, and the ability to support large-scale research. Challenges include budget constraints, publisher embargoes, link rot, format obsolescence, authentication friction, and copyright or licensing restrictions.

Examples of eresource providers and types include commercial databases (e.g., ProQuest, EBSCOhost), publisher platforms (JSTOR, Elsevier ScienceDirect), e-book collections, open repositories (PubMed Central, arXiv), and media platforms (Kanopy, OverDrive) used by libraries.