I would like to thank everyone who took the time to answer my inquiry
regarding a library's decision to move away from print and towards
electronic access only collections.  Your responses have been very
helpful and informative.

Based on the responses I have received, it seems that a move towards an
E-Only collection has proven most rewarding for those libraries which
have chosen to make the move; high levels of patron satisfaction were
noted.  In almost all cases, the move towards E-Only was based on user
feedback.  Patrons were requesting more and more electronic access.
Some libraries mentioned that if a title was not available
electronically, patrons would not bother to use the print.

Many libraries continue to receive "core" titles in print.  Many
libraries were forced to purchase some titles in print in order to
receive electronic access them, and some journal titles were not
available electronically at all.

The greatest objection for moving towards an E-Only environment seems to
be fueled by cost.  It seems particularly difficult for smaller
libraries to make this move based on limited finances.  Another concern
for not going E-Only dealt with the format of electronic journals;
sometimes the electronic editions are different than the print edition
and there was some concern that over time some older formats might not
be accessible with newer ones.

Thank you again for your responses, I welcome further comments.

Karen Yacobucci, MLS

Serials Librarian

New York Medical College

Health Sciences Library

95 Grasslands Road

Valhalla, NY 10595

Tel. 914.594.4213

karen_yacobucci@nymc.edu