Thanks to everyone who responded to my question about evaluating dead
titles. Responses included:

        * Asking faculty for their input about titles to keep or discard as
        well as noting indexing and area library holdings.

        * One library does not keep any newsletters past the current two years,
        and each title must have a complete run of at least five years
        before a decision to keep it is made.

        * Another librarian suggested using _Magazines for Libraries_ for
        ratings information, as well as checking the results of a usage
        study they have been doing for the past 2 years. Her Library Dean
        suggested that a title with a run of less than 6 years should be
        withdrawn, unless there is a compelling reason to keep it.

        * One Library's guidelines: ceased titles if they get little or no use
        titles that are not indexed, incomplete runs that cause inconvenience
        to users, irrevelance to academic programs--all good criteria for
        weeding.

I had developed a list of questions to ask about each title as I review
them. Your responses show that you're using the same type of criteria.
The questions follow:
1.      Is the title connected to one currently held by the library?
2.      Is the title of historic value?
3.      Is the title a newsletter?
4.      Is the title in support of a program that no longer exists?
5.      Are holdings 5-6 years or fewer?
6.      Is the title connected to other inactive periodical titles?
7.      Is the title useful in terms of subject matter and date?

If I am unable to determine if a title should be discarded, I forward it
to a liaison librarian, with indexing information and details about which
area libraries have the title.  So far, this system seems to be working
well. The information gathering stage takes an enormous amount of
time--especially for hundreds of titles.

Thanks again for your comments. If you have any questions or other
insights I would love to hear from you.

Marilyn M. Parrish
Ganser Library
Millersville University
Millersville, PA 17551
(717)872-3601
mparrish@marauder.millersv.edu