---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Wed, 17 Feb 1999 13:09:20 -0800
From: Lesley Tweddle <Ltweddle@AUCEGYPT.EDU>
Subject: PERIODICALS VOLUME STATISTICS WHEN YOU DON'T BIND!

This question is addressed to libraries that don't bind a substantial
number of the serials they retain in their collection.

Our Library Administration is hoping to facilitate the collection of
ACRL statistics.  Among their rubrics are
        serials volumes added
        serials volumes withdrawn

We have been steadily increasing the number of titles we don't bind.  We
find it saves money, and reduces the damage done by photocopying.

We can easily count (1) bound volumes added or withdrawn; (2) unbound
issues added or withdrawn; but it would be very tedious for us to
implement a system for computing the volume-equivalent of the unbound
issues added or withdrawn (and, I suspect, very unwise to rely on its
accuracy).

What do other people who retain a lot of unbound periodicals do, when
asked to supply volume-counts?

Many thanks.

Lesley Tweddle
Head, Serials Department
American University in Cairo Library