Abstract

Patron-driven acquisitions (PDA: sometimes known as demand-driven purchasing) is a supply model in which users select ebooks from their institution’s chosen supplier’s lists, which are usually integrated into the library catalogue. Users are provided with a free preview of the item, and are then allowed further ac-cess either on a request or on an automated basis, according to the supply model. Libraries can select from a range of purchase or rental models, and are also able to specify price limits. PDA has been piloted in a number of university libraries, and the experiences at Northampton, Nottingham Trent and Lincoln related in this article identify common themes and issues.