In addition, such choices can require librarians very carefully to consider economic factors such as cost-peruse that played a less significant role in the predominantly print environment. Meeting the Needs of Remote Patrons As more and more library patrons require access to information resources from outside the physical walls of the library, librarians need to build collections that meet these patrons' needs. Licensing electronic resources is often an important part of the answer, but licensing entails many challenges, including pricing, security, technology, and access. Negotiating access to remote physical library collections is often part of the solution, as well. The Transformation of Librarians' and Vendors' Tools Not only the composition of the collection, but the tools librarians and vendors use to build and maintain the collection, are being altered by technology and other factors.
Most publishers offer electronic catalogs or publications lists on their Web sites.
New tools such as IndexMaster offer desktop access to specialized bibliographic information. Vendors, too, offer electronic versions of catalogs, as well as approval slip services. E-mail communication also helps more stakeholders participate in collection building. Coping with Price Inflation and Cost Consciousness Law firms, courts, and law schools are all more business-like than ever before. Librarians must justify all of their expenditure decisions, especially those regarding collections.