From: Steve Alleman <salleman_at_uno.edu>
At our library we're interested in trying to make allocations that
cover both books and journals (and other formats) in each discipline.
In our current system serials inflation is basically unchecked -- we
cover the increased cost of subscriptions and then what's left goes to
monographs. The result is that more and more of our flat or shrinking
budget goes to journals, and the lion's share of that goes to the
sciences.
We figure that, if we start by allocating by department, then each
discipline can adjust its own balance of journals and monographs. The
problem lies in finding data on the relative dependence on monographs or
journals by dsicipline. Charles Lowry's article "Reconciling
Pragmatism, Equity, and Need in the Formula Allocation of Book and
Serial Funds" (College & Research Libraries, March 1992, pp. 121-38) has
some data, bit it is now a bit out of date as well as being somewhat
institution-specific. I would like to know if other institutions have
tried this approach, or if anyone knows of more up-to-date data on this
approach.
I know many institutions no longer use formulas, but they're a
necessity for us, given the size of the budget.
--
Steve Alleman
Collection Management Librarian
Earl K. Long Library
University of New Orleans
New Orleans LA 70148
504.280.6499 (phone)
504.280.3173 (fax)
salleman_at_uno.edu
Received on Wed Mar 14 2001 - 15:14:37 EST