Journal collection cost-effectiveness in an academic Chemistry Library: results of a cost/use survey at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1991

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Abstract

A six-month journal-use survey was conducted at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) Chemistry Library to determine the cost-effectiveness of the collection. Use was defined as circulation of bound and unbound periodicals, circulation within the library measured through reshelving, and circulation through both interlibrary borrowing and lending. Cost was based on 1988 subscription prices. Effectiveness was measured by identifying a core journal collection satisfying 90% of total demand. A microcomputer and a spreadsheet program were used to store and analyze the data. Results of the study found that 91% of the active subscriptions were used two or more times, and 24% were used once or twice. Nine percent of active subscriptions, accounting for only 3% of the journals budget were unused. Titles proposed for cancellation were identified based on low use and cost ineffectiveness.

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