At Gustavus we discover our missing issues, most often, at the time of
binding.  That is NOT good if they are prof. bound because of course, we can't
do it until it is replaced.  But in the case of in-house bound titles, this
is our procedure:  We determine if the title/ date is important enough for
student research (will it be in heavy demand?) & if so, attempt to replace
it.  In the meantime, we bind with pegs so we can easily rebind when missing
issue comes (if we are so lucky as to get it!).  We put a removable label
on the cover indicating the missing issue.  Although we have an on-line
catalog, we maintain a card file in public services for periodicals.  There
is a drawer for missing issues.  Yellow indicates that we are aware issue
is missing and we are attempting to replace it.  White indicates, we are
aware it is missing and it will always be missing.  In both cases, the
user is encouraged to use ILL for their articles.

We are lucky in Minnesota.  ILL (including copies) is free to the patron.
Minitex is supported by us taxpayers because we BELIEVE in libraries.
Minitex also runs a Serials Exchange operation.  Many libraries send
all of their duplicate, withdrawn, etc. issues to them.  When in need,
we file a card with them and if issue needed is received, they have a
record of our need and send it on.  It costs us 3.50 for replacement issues.

I also use Zubal and our success rate with them is pretty good.  I use them
when I want to prof. bind something soon & can't gamble on the Serials
Exchange.

Hope this is the kind of information you were looking for.

 Kathie Martin, Serials Manager             Voice: (507) 933-7562
 Gustavus Adolphus College Library          FAX:   (507) 933-7041
 St. Peter, MN  56082
                                            Internet:
 Bitnet: kmartin@gacvax1                      kmartin@vax1.gac.edu