We are in the process of planning to define a core list of journals to
retain in print over the long term, whether the titles are available in
full-text or not. One potential criterion for a core journal is the
quality and importance of illustrations.  Our rationale is that colorful
and/or highly detailed illustrations are better accessed in print than
online (because of hardware costs, printing time and costs, preservation
issues, and quality of image).

Is anyone aware of any quantitative techniques to measure the importance
of images to individual journals, either in theory or that have been put
into practice?  It's easy enough to subjectively conclude that
illustrations are more important in Nature than in Foreign Affairs, but is
there a reliable and valid way to quantify that?

Also, any other hints, suggestions, warnings, or Ouiji readings you may
have on how to consider illustrations in the definition of a core journal
would be most welcome.

Thanks in advance,

Steve Black
Reference, Serials and Instruction Librarian
Neil Hellman Library
The College of Saint Rose
Albany, NY  12203                                  "Cogito eggo sum"
blacks@rosnet.strose.edu                     (I think, therefore I waffle)