Serials Review/Cancellations 2009

TO: UWM Faculty and Staff
FROM: Helena Pycior, Interim Chair, University Library Committee
            Ewa Barczyk, Director of UWM Libraries

Dear Colleagues:

In consultation with the University Library Committee (ULC), the UWM Libraries ask you to undertake a review of journals for possible cancellations. The last major review occurred in 2003 when we cancelled 906 subscriptions in the amount of $340,000. Due to anticipated budget cuts and ongoing serial inflation, we must plan for reductions around $380,000 representing 15% of our serials expenditures, for the next fiscal year (subscriptions beginning calendar year 2010). The annual cost increases for serials subscriptions have been averaging 8-10% per annum.

The hard reality of the UWM Libraries’ acquisitions budget and the projected cost increases next year for serials subscriptions compels us to request that the faculty review journals relevant to their respective disciplines and sub-disciplines, and to consider research and teaching areas that may no longer be a top priority when recommending cancellations. Serial titles will be posted in Library of Congress (LC) classifications, along with a list of departments and suggested corresponding LC classifications. Procedural details are included along with the serials lists on the Libraries’ website.

Faculty and staff are asked to work through their designated faculty liaison to the Libraries within their department to submit a single response. This response is due May 1.  After initial faculty input, the UWM Libraries will review the current serials subscriptions and databases using usage data, and cost including annual increase data for each title. The result will be a preliminary list of candidates for cancellation, with an opportunity for additional comment by faculty. A final list will be compiled at the end of the summer for review next fall prior to cancellation (timeline).

In discussions about this review and cancellation of serials, the ULC reaffirmed its belief that the UWM Libraries are central to the instructional and research integrity of the institution and that the journals are a critical component of the research.  Accordingly, the Committee assures you in advance that it has explored all possible ways of mitigating the serious impact these cuts will have on our research and instructional missions. As in the past, alternative means of access will be offered to journal titles that are canceled. The Libraries continue their commitment to fast access through Interlibrary Loan and document delivery.  We continue to expand collaborative opportunities to increase access to resources.

Your participation is critical in making the best possible decisions during this difficult period. We appreciate your guidance. Once again, this is a regrettable situation, but we hope the collaborative process will preserve those titles that are most important to the University.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please contact:

Janet G. Padway, Assistant Director for Collections and Technical Services
lib-ser2009@uwm.edu