In the past, we used the sweep method - journals are picked up from tables
and photocopier areas, etc. and each title is recorded as being used. We
have also secured issues closed with removable labels and counted broken
labels as the issue being used.  Both ways provide a count of some sort but
it cannot be determined how it was used - was the TOC, was an article
photocopied, were several articles photocopied? At least it is a base line
for journals not used, although faculty claimed to have used journals and
reshelved them.

Thanks,
Carmel Yurochko
Serials/E.R. Librarian
Duquesne University
Gumberg Library
Pittsburgh, PA

-----Original Message-----
From: SERIALST: Serials in Libraries Discussion Forum
[mailto:SERIALST@LIST.UVM.EDU] On Behalf Of Rochelle Van Erem
Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2008 2:29 PM
To: SERIALST@LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: [SERIALST] Tracking usage of non-circulating periodicals

        At my institution, we do not circulate our journals and they are not
        barcoded. Could someone provide some ways to track usage?
        We are considering the idea of wrapping them in paper and then
        counting
        broken seals at a later date; has anyone tried that method?

        It sounds messy. Could someone suggest something better?

        Thanks,

        Rochelle Van Erem
        Serials
        St. Norbert College Library
        100 Grant Street
        De Pere, WI 54115 USA
        phone (920) 403-3270
        fax (920) 403-4079

--

Thanks,

Rochelle Van Erem
Serials Specialist
St. Norbert College Library
100 Grant Street
De Pere, WI  54115 USA
phone (920) 403-3270
fax (920) 403-4079