Integrating e‐collections following the merger of two specialist hospital libraries: a case study

BACKGROUND: Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust was formed in February 2017 following an acquisition. The Library and Knowledge Services (LKS) merged while operating across two hospital sites. A priority for the merged Library and Knowledge Service was to integrate e‐collections. A literature review identified six papers reporting health libraries that had merged and integrated e‐collections. OBJECTIVES: A priority for the merged Library and Knowledge Service was to integrate e‐collections. METHODS: To ensure equitable and cost‐effective access to an extended collection, an audit of pre‐existing e‐collections was conducted. Electronic licence agreements enabling cross‐site access were negotiated. A new OpenAthens ID was created. RESULTS: The integration of e‐collections enabled Trust staff access to a greater number of e‐journals and additional e‐content, and an overall cost‐saving was achieved. DISCUSSION: This case study supports existing literature stating that integrating collections increases the number of e‐journals. It further identifies cost‐difference in acquiring cross‐site access to e‐journals compared to databases providing full‐text e‐journals and additional e‐content. CONCLUSION: Integrating e‐collections enables equity of access and value. A national co‐ordinated approach to procurement of e‐collections will further support equity and best value throughout NHS LKS.