Course Readings: How Libraries Provide Value

Abstract

Academic libraries are continually being asked to demonstrate their value. To do this, libraries analyze and assess their services and resources using a variety of tools and methods. A source of data that is overlooked in this analysis is the course syllabus and, more specifically, course readings. Purchasing these readings on their own would add an additional financial burden on students. Focusing on journal articles, the authors have analyzed syllabi to determine the cost savings students received based on library access to readings. Additionally, the authors searched the web to ascertain how many of the readings are freely available, legally or otherwise.