On the issue of evaluating dead titles, I guess the research library
has a very different perspective. In general we retain everything,
but for some material, decisions are made early on to keep only
a year, or so many years.  If these "retained for a limited period"
titles should cease or be cancelled, then the entire run is removed
and our records noted "withdrawn".

Please note that all our serials are cataloged in the OPAC.  All
permanently retained titles receive full cataloging, including
subject headings and LC classification.  For those of a less
permanent nature, we accept whatever OCLC copy we can find, but
do not add subject headings if none are in the record, nor do
we classify.

Of course, over the years, various collection development projects
might result in the weeding of journal runs from the collection.
And the criteria for deselection would vary, depending on the
nature of the project--held elsewhere on campus, held nearby,
low use, poor physical condition, change in curriculum, etc.

Depending on your own situation, I would suggest you consult with
your collection development librarians to work on a suitable
criteria for retaining journals.  Anything you intend to keep on
a permanent basis, would seem, in my opinion, to be deserving of
full access in your catalog.  This would involve cataloging and
holdings information.

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Susan Davis                           BITNET: UNLSDB@UBVM
Head, Periodicals                   INTERNET: UNLSDB@UBVM.CC.BUFFALO.EDU
Central Technical Services             PHONE: (716) 645-2784
Lockwood Library Bldg.                   FAX: (716) 645-5955
State University of NY at Buffalo
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