In this article, the author discusses the future potential of electronic resources management (ERM) organization, within the development of the next-generation integrated library systems (ILS), as a very promising strategy. This also presents enormous challenges to ERM librarians though, especially on how to determine standards and workflows. The author's premise is to look beyond the way librarians might manage locally at their libraries or the ways they feel most comfortable to the larger landscape for more effective solutions. She discusses expanded approaches to ERM work when planning for these solutions. Ultimately, understanding historical pitfalls and pushing to develop prevailing system standards based on workflow best practices may lead to more effective solutions.