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Collection evaluation techniques have evolved as a result of technological changes in libraries but their purpose and benefits have remained the same: the ability to understand the specific strengths and weaknesses of information resources with statistical data as well as impressionistic judgments based on experience and knowledge of the discipline area under consideration. Librarians have adjusted the tools to evaluate the state of information resources in specific subject and format collections according to the technology available. Whatever the tool, the "picture" of resources that results enables libraries to adjust their holdings to better meet their missions, while also enabling us to streamline access to information without being tied to strictly bibliographic tags with subject and discipline gateways. Whatever the tool, however, its usefulness is dependent upon the thoughtful and appropriate application by the practitioner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The University of Florida Libraries (UF), like many academic libraries, have been purchasing more e-books with each passing year. While most libraries that purchase e-books seemingly do so on very few platforms, the UF libraries currently have their collection of e-books available in over 35 different platforms. While this presents quite a challenge in terms of management it also presents an excellent opportunity for comparative analysis. Recent research focuses on the analysis of packages and the "big" deals, and highlights usage statistics but do not go into depth about the platforms and publishers. This article will compare Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) e-book platforms from both aggregators and publishers by examining features and usage statistics and making recommendations for consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]