Q. What does ‘Digital First’ mean for the University of Liverpool Library?

The terminology eFirst or Digital First are interchangeable for us. However, for the purposes of this document we will use Digital First.

Our Digital First policy for books:

• Supports the creation of structured reading lists
• Includes a range of accessible learning materials to support student learning.

This means that our default option will be to buy digital wherever possible.

We purchase eBooks at the best available model, and work with eTextbook providers and directly with publishers, where it is appropriate and cost effective.  Our aim is to acquire materials that enhance the student learning experience.

Our Get It For Me service provides a service point for requesting content for research and learning and teaching. This service can be accessed by all of our user groups at the University. We adopt a Digital First approach.

The Library is committed to a Digital First policy to continue and develop its digital collection.  However, we also understand the value in growing the print collection and its benefits to our users. Where possible, the Library will prioritise digital material free of Digital Rights Management (DRM), to allow ongoing and undisturbed access to content.