Evaluating PDA using financial analysis for streaming videos: a case study at a US academic library
| Published date | 22 August 2019 |
| Pages | 47-52 |
| Date | 22 August 2019 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/CC-03-2019-0008 |
| Author | Kerry A. Falloon |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Collection building & management |
Evaluating PDA using financial analysis for
streaming videos: a case study at a US
academic library
Kerry A. Falloon
Library Department, College of Staten Island, Staten Island, New York, USA
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this study is to evaluate the pre and post success of patron-driven acquisition (PDA) streaming video projects using
financial analysis, thus comparing PDA as a collection building tool against other legacy purchasing practices.
Design/methodology/approach –This is primarily a quantitative study based on deductive data derived; however, it does include qualitative
findings. Hence, it is a mixed study.
Findings –The study approaches this topic from the viewpoint that ongoing evaluations of PDA projects, based on savings and benefits derived,
can be practically conducted and are useful for CD decision-making by purchasing agents in academic librari es.
Research limitations/implications –Caution should be used when generalizing this study due to its specificity of its library’s collection
development (CD) needs and methodology. The study is not intended to be original research, but it builds upon other case studies in this area.
Practical implications –In addition to improving CD strategies, libraries could use this study to develop a financial valuation methodology, which
can help guide purchasing practices.
Social implications –This study has implications to all library stakeholders.
Originality/value –Few studies have compared and analyzed streaming video PDA programs using financial analysis in a practi cal manner to aid
library acquisitions.
Keywords Academic libraries, Collection development, CBA-cost benefit analysis, CE-cost effective analysis, ROI-return on investment,
Streaming video, Financial analysis, Cost effectiveness, Patron driven acquisitions, Benefit cost ratio, Valuation
Paper type Case study
Summary
This case study will determine the cost-benefits of patron-driven
acquisitions (PDA) streaming video implemented at the College of
Staten Island (CSI) using financial analysis tools. These collection
development (CD) projects are being used in conjunction with
other legacy purchasing practices, such as subscription and firm
order purchasing. In sum, financial methodology can help to
propose a plan of action for library CD but that story can be flawed
if the right data, consistency in analyzing the data, and the value of
an investment and benefits returned, is not determined by the
library. The practical applications of using financial analysis for
collection building and acquisition decisions-making will be
discussed by this case study. Specifically, the successes and
challenges of a streaming video PDA project implemented in a
large public university library setting is highlighted.
Introduction
Academic library collections in the new millennium have
undergone drastic changes in CD. In relation to selection,
management and maintenance,libraries are employing PDA as
a CD tool to assist in building various collections, especially
audio-visual collections. The conventional librarian-driven
selection model generally failed to consider the financialneeds
of its stakeholders and the short-term immediate objectives of
students. PDA incorporates“the ability to shape the universe of
titles from which patrons may choose”through high-quality
librarian content selection (Walters, 2016, p. 56). Users then
determine the value of the content based on individual needs,
as defined by meaningfulusage.
The CSI library has been collecting various units of data
regarding audio-visual purchasing practices in order to
determine cost savings and benefitsattained. The results affect
budgetary allocations for this type of resource. For CD
selection and assessment, libraries tend employ hybrid
techniques by using both traditional and modern CD tools.
Not only is CD decision-making complex, but it takestime for
academic libraries to see benefits or returns on monetary
investments in its resources. Hence, this study evaluatescosts,
expenditures,and benefits derived from a PDA streaming video
project using financial analysis tools. This research is meant to
explore the best combination of CD purchasing practices for
the CSI library. The goal is to validate and develop
accountability for its PDA collection building strategies by
Thecurrentissueandfulltextarchiveofthisjournalisavailableon
Emerald Insight at: https://www.emerald.com/insight/2514-9326.htm
Collection and Curation
39/2 (2020) 47–52
© Emerald Publishing Limited [ISSN 2514-9326]
[DOI 10.1108/CC-03-2019-0008]
Received 15 March 2019
Revised 22 June 2019
Accepted 24 June 2019
47
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