Assessing Value Through Cross-Institutional Comparisons: A Discussion of the 2012 University of North Carolina System-Wide E-Journal Survey

In 2012, the University of North Carolina (UNC) system implemented an initiative to examine return-on-investment for the system libraries' e-journal collections. To help carry out the initiative, UNC libraries participated in a survey to gather, collate, and analyze data regarding e-journal expenditures and usage. This article discusses the processes and tools through which the survey was conducted and analyzes the survey's results. Within its analysis, the article reviews and critiques relevant recommendations presented in a resultant report issued by the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management. Throughout the discussion, the article provides insight into the broader opportunities and challenges of collaborating to make cross-institutional assessments of e-journal collections.