---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Mon, 10 Feb 1997 10:09:12 -0500
From: Nancy Williamson <WILLIAMN@LIB.ACS.SUNYNASSAU.EDU>
Subject: Re: ? Indexing and collection development

Generally, we find that periodicals not indexed somewhere receive little or
no use in our library (we are a large community college).  Since money is
tight, I do not like to add new titles which will not be used.  I therefore
discuss this factor with the person making the recommendation.  Most of the
time, we do not add these titles, but there are exceptions.  I can think of
two exceptions which are fairly recent; in one case, there were subscriptions
added to support a recently added American Sign Language program.  The
publications requested are not included in any of our indexes.  I ordered
them anyway.  The professor understands that he must send his students
directly to these publications.  He has cooperated, and the publications
have been a valuable addition to the collection.

We had a similar situation with a studio recording program, and it has
worked out pretty well.  I repeat, though, that these are exceptions; in
disciplines that are adequately indexed, I would be much less likely to
think that an unindexed periodical is a good choice, in terms of seeing use.

Nancy Williamson, Periodicals Librarian
Nassau Community College, Garden City, NY
williamn@sunynassau.edu