Peter M. Webster is Systems Librarian for the Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Canada.

…an excellent overview of the current state of affairs in electronic resources management for libraries …full of thoughtful discussion and interesting arguments., Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals newsletter…a pleasant change to think about electronic resources without any reference to Athens or Shibboleth., Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals newsletterThis book is a timely, important work regarding collection integration and federated search evolution and would be of value in all library collections…Webster diligently explains his position and supports his views with substantial documentation and quotes from leading library authorities., Collection Building

• Introduction; Universal discovery and access to information; The library catalogue and the new role of distributed electronic content tools; Electronic content products – materials management and integration; The ILS and the challenges of electronic materials; Whither the OPAC: new models for the primary library search interface; Still too many search interfaces: wrestling with old and new disintegrated applications; Innovative interfaces, new interfaces, search services, toolbars, lookups and widgets; End-to-end integration and a seamless user experience; Net size, bigger and better partnerships, and getting others to share the work; Library application services for information exchange services: more and less than web services; More elements of the integrated information environment; Conclusions.