Hi Pamela,

We cancelled one very low use but discipline-critical journal based on
Highwire 12-month embargoed access, on the advice of departmental
faculty. The department met their target cancellation number with this
action, rather than cancelling several less expensive titles. It makes
us very nervous, and we have closely monitored access. We took this
action three years ago, and have not had complaints or high numbers of
ILL requests for the more recent content.

As you can tell this was an isolated action which I wouldn't recommend
as a cancellation policy.

Linda Wobbe

O'Brien, Pamela wrote:

>Hi all,
>
>I am wondering how many libraries out there have (or would consider) discarding the print holdings of titles that are available free through Highwire.  I am not sure if these journals are technically open access.
>
>The Highwire journals I am referring to are the titles where "all articles" are accessible but usually with an embargo period of 3-12 months.
>
>In the past we have not discarded print holdings unless we purchased a backfile and knew they would be available in perpetuity, however, because of the possibility of our bound journal area being greatly reduced we are looking for other options.
>
>Would you rely on Highwire access to be available "forever"?
>
>Thank you!
>Pam
>
>
>
>Pamela L. O'Brien
>Library Assistant
>Biomedical Library
>St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
>901-595-3389
>
>
>________________________________
>Email Disclaimer: www.stjude.org/emaildisclaimer
>
>

--
Linda Wobbe
Head, Electronic Resources & Periodicals
Subject Selector for Biology, Chemistry,
Environmental Science, Health, Physics, Kinesiology
Saint Mary’s College Library
PO Box 4290, 1928 Saint Mary’s Road
Moraga, CA 94575-4290
ph (925) 631-4232  fx (925)376-6097
lwobbe@stmarys-ca.edu