There is equal divide between the pros and cons of buying bundled sets of resources according to Kimmel (2014)
No need to replace lost or damaged books, easier to weed unused items from the collection, easier to purchase new, relevant and current materials, access rather than ownership.
The number of simultaneous users can be limited by licensing issues (single,multiple, unlimited), ownership of content – the library has access but doesn’t own collections to fill their shelves, subscription costs – one off or annually, does it easily integrate with the libraries catalogue system.
Considerations to selecting content that is provided via online access but not owned by the library according to Kimmel (2014), should be to the merit, ease of use, authority and value of the bundled set to the collection. Also do the bundled sets offer the ability of users to access the ideas and information required.
I feel bundled sets are an important part of the future of the library resource collection and if managed well are a great benefit to students. My concerns are with the licensing and subscription costs. Navigating these with the best interests of students needs and access to information is a challenge but one I think as a TL is worth embarking on.
Kimmel, S. C. (2014). Developing collections to empower learners. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral.proquest.com