Why can the Art Collection subscribe to every new journal that researchers are interested in?
Unlike books, a new journal title represents an ongoing commitment. Northwestern University Library’s journals budget does not grow annually to permit routine subscriptions to new titles. Given our commitment to building exemplary research collections, we are always hesitant to cancel existing subscriptions to free up funds for new ones. This philosophy holds even when interest in or curricular demand for a particular journal may be low. If we responded to vacillations in interest and curriculum by canceling journal subscriptions accordingly, we would soon have a haphazard and incomplete collection of journal “runs” which is ultimately self-defeating. As funds are available, Art will judiciously subscribe to new titles as well as fill in gaps in existing runs. We give particular consideration to user requests. Please discuss your needs with the Head of the Art Collection.
Unlike books, a new journal title represents an ongoing commitment. Northwestern University Library’s journals budget does not grow annually to permit routine subscriptions to new titles. Given our commitment to building exemplary research collections, we are always hesitant to cancel existing subscriptions to free up funds for new ones. This philosophy holds even when interest in or curricular demand for a particular journal may be low. If we responded to vacillations in interest and curriculum by canceling journal subscriptions accordingly, we would soon have a haphazard and incomplete collection of journals. As funds are available, Art will judiciously subscribe to new titles as well as fill in gaps in existing runs. We give particular consideration to user requests. Please discuss your needs with the Head of the Art Collection.
