Understanding Resource Discovery and Delivery (formerly E-Resources Technical Update) takes the attendee on a journey from publisher websites, through resource discovery and library technology, to article delivery, and demonstrates the decisions and events over time that have led us to the current journals landscape.

Course summary

The UKSG Understanding Resource Discovery and Delivery course frames the evolution of the technological solutions, both deployed and under development, in the scholarly information environment we all occupy.  This includes a look at publisher platforms and why publishers structure their services the way they do, the competition in discovery (search engines, resource discovery, social media and professional indexes), the evolution and purpose of library technology, and a detailed look at the authentication methods used, and the pressures that exist for change.  The course looks at the entire process from the reader perspective and addresses some of the subtleties associated with open access on publisher platforms, subject repositories and professional scientific networks.

Although focusing primarily on journals, the course also compares and contrasts the situation for other e-resource types.

Why you should attend

This course has proved to be valuable to anyone dealing with e-resources in both libraries and intermediaries in the information chain.  Whilst not providing detailed technical solutions to specific problems, the course imparts a higher level of understanding as to why the technologies have developed into their current state, and is suitable for anyone working with e-resources or those managing departments responsible for the delivery of journal content.

This course does not compare specific incarnations and brands of library systems and solutions.

Course level and previous knowledge required

If you are an early-career professional, it is perhaps worth first attending the UKSG Introduction to E-Resources Today, a one-day seminar run in a variety of locations which covers all aspects of the e-resources industry.  Otherwise no previous knowledge is required.

Learning objectives

• Understand the reader journey from discovery to delivery
• Understand the library’s role in the reader journey
• Understand the common problems and limitations in library technology and authentication

NB: UKSG reserves the right to alter or vary the programme due to events or circumstances beyond its reasonable control without being obliged to refund monies.