If they come on a regular (or semi-regular) basis we add them to the collection and catalog them just like our paid subscriptions.  Usually we only keep them for a couple of years unless the faculty think they are worth binding or keeping for a longer period in Princeton files.  There are a few medical journals that fall into this category.  When something new that I have not requested starts arriving, I usually wait until I have several issues to be sure they aren't just sample copies.  With items we request online and renew each year, we have a fairly good record of things arriving when they should.  Cataloging and online check-in put the issues in our online catalog making them more accessible to patrons.  So even if an issue is missed now and then, the patrons can see the gaps in the catalog and know that it never arrived so they don't waste a lot to time searching for something we don't have.

Judith A. Koveleskie
Periodicals Librarian
Seton Hill University
Reeves Memorial Library
Greensburg, PA 15601
724-838-7828
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-----Original Message-----
From: SERIALST: Serials in Libraries Discussion Forum
[mailto:SERIALST@LIST.UVM.EDU]On Behalf Of Hill, Katherine
Sent: Wednesday, February 09, 2005 1:52 PM
To: SERIALST@LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: [SERIALST] Handling free periodicals

    I'm wondering how you handle periodicals that are available through
a free subscription.  We are a community college library and have a few
such titles that relate to our curriculum.  Our experience is that they
arrive sporadically and we never know if we really have a subscription
or not.  Normally we won't subscribe to a title that is not indexed, but
for some of our curricula, we like to have everything we can get.  But
if they aren't indexed and don't show up in databases, they won't be
used.  Trying to get the faculty to encourage their use is an uphill
battle.
    The latest example we've received is Hygienetown.  The cover says
"Welcome to the Premier Issue!"  It is apparently a spinoff from Perio
Reports, which we get through our vendor.  Another example is Dimensions
of Dental Hygiene, free with web registration, but costing $40 from our
vendor.
    So my question is, do you catalog these and/or make room for them on
your shelves?    Or just pretend they don't exist and wash your hands of
the whole thing?

Katherine H. Hill

Department Chair

Serials/Circulation Librarian

North Campus Library

Erie Community College

6205 Main St., Williamsville, NY 14221

716-851-1278