Changing use patterns of print journals in the digital age: Impacts of electronic equivalents on print chemistry journal use

Abstract

Little data are available that can help librarians solve issues surrounding print versus online journals management, including ascertaining when print journals are no longer needed. This study examines the short‐term effects of online availability on the use of print chemistry journals. The Duke University Chemistry Library gained access to Elsevier titles via ScienceDirect in February 2000. By comparing reshelving data for the print journals from 1999, 2000, and 2001, this study identifies the short‐term changes in journals use that can be attributed to the introduction of ScienceDirect. In the first two years after ScienceDirect was introduced, use of print journals nearly halved. The diminished use of the print collection has important implications for collection management in sci‐tech libraries.

Print versus Electronic Journal Use in Three Sci/Tech Disciplines: The Cultural Shift in Process

“…K. T. L. Vaughn suggested that another reason could be that it is "becoming easier for many faculty and students to use online journals, in part because of familiarity with online products and the enhanced quality of printout as compared to photocopies." 9 Once again, there are disciplinary differences in the use of paper and electronic formats.…”

The information environment and information behaviour of the Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) in the context of safety and emergency response: An exploratory study

“…Interviewees explained that as developments in technology have advanced, the safety case, a large document often comprised of several folders, is now available in electronic format -most usually a PDF. Research suggests that information users have a preference for electronic access when available [see for example, 65,66], however the OIMs interviewed suggested that use of the safety case was dependent on the purpose of its use: "We have the safety case in PDF format readily accessible, you can do a quick search on a word and go straight to your section. It's great … That said, if you want to go and leaf through it on a topic it's much easier to do it on paper than it is electronically.…”

Survey and Analysis of Electronic Journal Licenses for Long-Term Access Provisions in Tertiary New Zealand Academic Libraries

“…In your opinion, how important is attaining a long-term access permission to a journal in negotiations? 1 0 0 = We never receive these benefits 10 = We always receive these benefits 10. If you have a choice between a print serial or an electronic serial with a long-term access option (same cost, license length, etc), which does your library prefer based on policy?…”

“…Use of print journals falls dramatically when an electronic option becomes available, as it did in Duke University after electronic journals were licensed for use. 10 Total use of print journals was halved over the period from 1999-2001 after the introduction of e-journals.…”