We also use a rolodex file with the title and barcode.  We gather inhouse use of all periodicals lying on tables.  We ask patrons to leave items on a cart so they can be inventoried.  We also use the rolodex file for checking in the periodicals when they arrive - it beats typing in each title.  We have used the statistics for cancellation purposes.  We are using the Sirsi Jaave client.  It takes time to set it up, however it has been very useful for us.  Good luck.

-----------------------
Monique Morris
Acq/Serials Librarian
LSC/Samuel Read Hall Library
P.O. Box 919, 1001 College Rd.
Lyndonville, VT  05851-0919

phone (802)626-6364
fax   (802)626-4807

-----Original Message-----
From: SERIALST: Serials in Libraries Discussion Forum on behalf of Martha Coleman
Sent: Mon 6/23/2008 3:14 PM
To: SERIALST@LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: Re: [SERIALST] Print Serials in-house statistics

We also use Innovative Interfaces to gather inhouse use statistics.
Rather than a barcode on the shelf, we created a rolodex file of
barcodes.  We don't know which issue was used but we at least know the
title is getting some use.  The stats have been very helpful in
decisions to cancel.  I know the count may not be perfect but it helps
to have a rationale for cancelling a title.

Anil Deshpande wrote:

>We are considering gathering usage statistics for print serials by
using a bar
>code Scanner and the in-house circulation module of our software. Has
any
>one had experience with this? Did the data you gathered help you make
>decision about purchases? What benefits did you realize from a project
like
>this? Any suggestions are welcomed.
>

---------------------------------
Martha Coleman
Reference/Serials Librarian
U A Fort Smith - Boreham Library
5210 Grand Avenue   PO Box 3649
Fort Smith,  AR  72913
479-788-7208     FAX 479-788-7209
mcoleman@uafortsmith.edu