Let's stick together: collaborative purchasing of electronic journals in the National Health Service

To describe the process and the lessons learned from the collaborative purchasing of electronic journals by National Health Service (NHS) libraries in the East Midlands, UK.

The background to a successful joint purchasing initiative is described, including the methodology for selecting titles and the formula for dividing the payment. Factors that have a bearing on successful collaboration are discussed, including use of a Framework Agreement, licensing conditions and measuring impact.

NHS librarians working together can leverage collective benefits for users through collaborative purchasing.