-------- Original Message --------
Subject: canceling fiche
   Date: Wed, 17 Apr 2002 10:07:14 -0500
   From: Susan C Shelly <susancs@GOSHEN.EDU>

Does anyone know the inner workings of microforms producers who could
advise me on the wisdom of canceling our titles that are full-text on
Academic Search Elite (ASE), with the thinking that if ASE drops the
title (or if we drop ASE), we could request the missing or back issues
formerly covered by ASE, on microfiche?

We are suggesting that our departments cancel fiche subscriptions to
titles now available FT on-line not just in JSTOR and Project MUSE but
also in databases such as Academic Search Elite (ASE).  This is a
calculated risk, since titles can come and go from ASE but the titles
involved are heavily used, such as Scientific American.  Further,  we
are telling ourselves that if we decide we need the fiche format later,
we can order it up from UMI.  Thus my question:  How hard is it to get
past issues on microform if you need to re-subscribe and want to fill in
gaps?  I am guessing that UMI,  or whatever they call themselves this
week, would be able to whip out past issues of a title to do this, but I
have a vague recollection of someone saying it isn't that
easy--microforms sources don't necessarily do that, especially just for
one request, etc.

Sue S.

*******************************
Susan C. Shelly
Librarian, Serials and Services
Good Library
GOSHEN COLLEGE
1700 South Main Street
Goshen, Indiana 46526
574.535.7637