Unrestricted Learning: The Value of Perpetual Access in Library Collections

With perpetual access in library collections, knowledge is not just available for today — it’s secured for the future. EBSCO remains dedicated to ensuring that libraries and institutions always have access to information they need, whenever they need it. 10 March 2025 At EBSCO, we believe that access to knowledge should be lasting. While we are a subscription-driven business, we are also committed to perpetual collection development. Through our Archives, eBooks, book ordering platforms, and the management of perpetual content within our SaaS platforms, we ensure that libraries and institutions optimize the physical and digital resources they acquire — providing stability and uninterrupted availability. Why Perpetual Access Matters Perpetual access is more than just a licensing model; it’s a safeguard for institutions that depend on long-term information access. By securing perpetual rights to e-books and archives, libraries can: Preserve Investments – Institutions retain access to previously acquired content, ensuring continuity of research and scholarship. Ensure Uninterrupted Learning – Faculty, researchers, and students can rely on these specific stable, long-term collections of resources. Support Historical Research – Access to past materials allows scholars to build upon previous work without gaps in availability. Libraries are as unique as the communities they serve — shaped by budget, location, and the needs of their users. While the definition of a library has expanded beyond books to include digital resources, the need for intentional, well-curated collections remains critical. Whether building digital archives or maintaining physical collections, libraries must have the flexibility to provide access to knowledge in all its forms. This sentiment is echoed by the Online Dictionary of Library and Information Science’s (ODLIS) definition of library : “Library -- from the Latin liber, meaning "book." In Greek and the Romance languages, the corresponding term is bibliotheca. A collection or group of collections of books and/or other print or nonprint materials organized and maintained for use (reading, consultation, study, research, etc.). Institutional libraries, organized to facilitate access by a specific clientele, are staffed by librarians and other personnel trained to provide services to meet user needs.” EBSCO’s Commitment to Perpetual Access EBSCO continues to invest in perpetual access solutions by partnering with publishers, expanding content offerings, and ensuring seamless digital preservation. Our platforms are designed to integrate perpetual access into institutional collections, allowing libraries to confidently build and maintain their resources over time. With the recent change in the e-book landscape, libraries are facing new challenges in collection development. EBSCO remains firm in its commitment to providing options. EBSCO empowers libraries to build stable, adaptable collections that meet both immediate and future research needs. Expanding EBSCO’s Archives: Investing in the Future of Research EBSCO is committed to preserving historical and cultural content through our perpetual archive databases . Our archival investments span diverse fields, including U.S. history, art, religion, musicology, and ethnic studies. Historical Digital Archives offerings include: African American Historical Serials Atla Civil War Primary Source Documents Frick Art Reference Library Periodicals Index Latino-Hispanic American Experience (Arte Público Series) Revolutionary War Era Orderly Books...

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