Elsevier Library Connect Pamphlet: 15 Ways to Promote Effective Use of Online Resources

Number 1 • Edition 2 • 2007
Subscribe, View PDF

Research and Findings

Research

Findings

Library Website Positioning

Make sure your institute’s homepage features obvious links to library pages

On the library homepage, offer links to digital resources and subject-specific content

Limit the number of clicks a user needs to get to full-text access.

Library Website Searching

Allow searches on metadata or key words associated with online resources

Offer options for restricting a search

Offer searchable lists of online resources and providers

Library Website Help Features

List library staff titles and names with telephone numbers and email addresses

Incorporate subject-specific help features within your library website

Provide well-structured FAQs as part of your website

Provide guides appropriate for all levels of users, beginner to advanced

Marketing to Users

Use communication extending beyond library buildings and targeting users in subject-specific ways

Avoid generic email alerts to a wide audience in favor of tailored email messages

Create training courses and updates focusing on subject-specific problems

Allow users to register online for training courses or sessions

Collaborate with your publisher and vendor contacts

Additional Resources

Ask UCD

Contact Information

Produced by Library Connect, in collaboration with the ScienceDirect Marketing Team
ELSEVIER 525 B Street, Suite 1900
San Diego, CA 92101
USA Phone: (+1) 619.699.6719 libraryconnect@elsevier.com

Marketing to Users

14. Allow users to register online for training courses or sessions.

By embracing technology, libraries support remote users and demonstrate understanding of researchers’ needs, tasks, and environments. E-registration can contribute to higher participation in classes your library offers, and can contribute to increased interest in your digital resources.

Explore More

Beile, P. M., & Boote, D. N. (2004). Does the medium matter? A comparison of a Web-based tutorial with face-to-face library instruction on education students’ self-efficacy levels and learning outcomes. Research Strategies, 20 (1–2), 57–68.
DOI: 10.1016/j.resstr.2005.07.002
Retrieved from www.sciencedirect.com

15. Collaborate with your publisher and vendor contacts.

Cooperative marketing programs are available at no charge to libraries and can help your resources go further.

"Be creative — try to..."