Cataloging free e‐resources: is it worth the investment?

TLDR: This is the first study to track use of free resources by click‐throughs to the OPAC and usage statistics show that cataloging free resources is well worth the effort.

Abstract: Purpose – This paper seeks to demonstrate the value of adding links to freely available web content to the library catalog (OPAC). This aims to answer the research question: “Is there value to cataloging freely available Internet resources in the OPAC?”Design/methodology/approach – Using a URL redirection system for tracking user access to freely available web publications, three years of click‐through use statistics were gathered by placing redirect URLs in the 856 field, tabulating the use data by project category, and redirecting the user to the desired resource.Findings – Usage statistics over three years show that cataloging free resources is well worth the effort.Originality/value – This is the first study to track use of free resources by click‐throughs to the OPAC.