A big “Thank You” to everyone who responded to my query about tracking journal usage! You have given me some great ideas to experiment with. I liked Theresa’s idea too, as well as Pamela’s. I may even implement both of them!

Whatever we decide to do, I will let all of you know how well these techniques work for us.

Thanks again,

Brenda Keane

Library Serials Clerk

Johnson & Wales University

8 Abbott Park Place

Yena Center

Providence, RI 02903

401-598-1459

From: Serials in Libraries Discussion Forum [mailto:SERIALST@LISTSERV.NASIG.ORG] On Behalf Of Skwor, Jeanette
Sent: Friday, March 27, 2015 1:23 PM
To: SERIALST@LISTSERV.NASIG.ORG
Subject: Re: [SERIALST] Tracking print journal usage

We do the same, although I do like Theresa’s idea & may just adopt that. (Thanks for sharing!)

Sincerely,

Jeanette Skwor

Cofrin Library, Serials Dept.

(920) 465-2670

From: Serials in Libraries Discussion Forum [mailto:SERIALST@LISTSERV.NASIG.ORG] On Behalf Of Brenda L. Keane
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2015 9:00 AM
To: SERIALST@LISTSERV.NASIG.ORG
Subject: [SERIALST] Tracking print journal usage

Like many libraries, we spend a lot of money on print subscriptions. Has anyone developed a method of effectively tracking print journal usage?

We currently use Sierra check-in records to add or remove issues to our journal holdings. None of these journals are barcoded, nor do they circulate. We have tried to track usage by asking patrons not to re-shelve journals themselves, but rather to leave used journals in bins, to be shelved by staff. This rarely happens.

An idea that I read about a few years ago was to install a scanner in the journals area and ask patrons to scan a journal each time it was used. Has anyone tried this? I look forward to hearing how other libraries assess print journal usage.