Seems like we fell into some of the databases because the print version was going away or becoming too expensive: Mergent, Mitchell's, Standard & Poor. Those are also our most "expensive" databases when measured by cost per search, because the targeted audience is so small. For those with a narrow audience or seasonal appeal, perhaps we should investigate library use only and /or limited number of simultaneous users. After all, those who used the print resources regularly had to do it in the library ...

An online resource should be selected based on how broad an audience it will attract. Something that only a small segment of our users will find interesting or helpful, especially on topics that are on a cycle, like state reports, science reports, or investing should probably not be purchased as an electronic subscription.