While it is often assumed that electronic versions of print resources are identical, there can be a number of important differences in what is included in an electronic version. Most electronic sources do not include data prior to the 1970s or 1980s. Some electronic sources do not include information to the same extent that print resources do. For example, graphical information may not be included on CD-ROMs due to space considerations. For example, most electronic resources offer multiple access points to the data that are not possible with print resources and some electronic resources can provide full-text.
Online databases are often more current than print versions.
When evaluating electronic resources, it is important to consider how these resources will be accessed and what the implications will be for other library services. For example, it is common for libraries that acquire a CD-ROM version of an index to experience an increase in the number of interlibrary loan requests for periodical titles they do not own. Your decision on what kind of access to provide will depend on the amount of demand you expect for the resource. The user interface and search strategies vary widely from one product to another. Technical Support Considerations Unlike print resources, which require little training, electronic resources can be intimidating and difficult to use.