This is a very good question.  We are a community college and cancelled
the microfilm subscriptions to almost everything a few years ago.  We
felt the cost was excessive given the amount of use.  This was a
difficult decision even for a 2 year institution.  We share a pool of
databases within the SUNY library system, so coverage varies from year
to year depending on the decisions of the group.  We have online access
to the NYT and even though the coverage is incomplete, it is sufficient
for our needs.

However, we do not have access to the WSJ.  Can anyone advise us on the
best way to get online access?  Order direct or through a vendor?

I wouldn't put the money into microfilm, because students are so
computer-focused that they want everything online.  The considerable
savings from canceling film have gone into the online databases and also
into upgrading our audiovisual collection.

Katherine H. Hill
Department Chair, North Campus Library
Erie Community College
6205 Main Street
Williamsville, NY 14221
(716)851-1278