We are in the process of revising our periodicals list, and need some advice
from those who might be in the same situation.

Most of our current periodicals are kept behind our circulation desk and must
be requested by our patrons.  We have indicated this in our periodicals list as
"Current issues on Closed Shelves".  As soon as our microfiche/microfilm for
these issues are received, the paper issues are discarded, and patrons access
the microforms themselves.  When other issues are bound, they are put on open
shelves for ready access.

The problem arises because patrons have great difficulty determining what a
"current issue" is, because "current" depends upon how quickly we receive the
reel of microfilm, fiche cards, or are able to bind the previous issues.  We
try to help our patrons interpret that phrase (usually current year or no
earlier than previous year), but there is still mass confusion.

Does anyone have any suggestions in making our holdings statement more
understandable or user friendly?  Would time parameters in our statement be
feasible?  Please respond to me directly.  Also, a sample page from your
periodicals list either faxed or mailed to me would be appreciated!  Thank you
all!!

Diana Hovorka
Hinkle Memorial Library
Alfred State College
Alfred, NY  14802
Phone: 607-587-4313
Fax:  607-587-4351
e-mail:  hovorkd@snyalfva.cc.alfredtech.edu