Tools and Techniques for the Effective and Responsible Management of Print Journal Back-Runs in an Academic Library: Lessons from a Case Study

Abstract

With shifting use patterns and user preferences, competing demands on finite library spaces, and reliable electronic journal backfile platforms, the withdrawal of print journal back-runs from academic library shelves is now commonplace. Yet the related procedures covered in the literature are manual and timeconsuming. In a recent print journal management project at an academic library, using current tools and techniques enabled the efficient application of evidenceinformed criteria, automated overlap and collection comparison, and responsive implementation. Participation in a shared print archive as part of the project prompted reflections about the associated costs and benefits.