A Systematic Approach for Evaluating and Upgrading Academic Science Journal Collections

During 2003–2005, several Brigham Young University (BYU) science librarians conducted a project to upgrade both the print and online journal collections at the Harold B. Lee Library. This systematic approach addressed the collections of several of the departments served by the library's science/maps department, specifically physics, mathematics, chemistry, physiology, developmental biology, and micro/molecular biology. The methodology involved the creation of separate tables for each subject including subscription cost, annual usage, calculated cost per use, and ISI impact factors. Normalized rankings within each subject were key statistics also given. These tables provided a clear picture that was invaluable in the collaboration with faculty that subsequently occurred in canceling less-used journals and freeing up money for newer (mostly online) subscriptions. Such a systematic approach could also be used in cancellation projects in which no new journals are acquired.