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Article
Are print books dead? An investigation of book circulation at a mid-sized academic library
Technical Services Quarterly (2013)
  • Lisa M Rose-Wiles, Seton Hall University
Abstract
I analyzed circulation of print books at Seton Hall University Libraries using the WorldCat Analysis tool and Voyager data. Only 21.5% of our collection circulated between 2005 and 2009, but circulation varied by subject area. Circulation was higher for subjects with more current collections. Over one-third of recent science books circulated, while older science books had low circulation. Print book circulation declined by 23% between 2005 and 2009. Results of this study informed collection development and prompted a comprehensive weeding project, participation in an international scholarly reading study, and an e-book, patron-driven acquisition program.
Keywords
  • circulation,
  • science books,
  • WorldCat analysis tool,
  • patron-driven acquisition.
Publication Date
2013
Citation Information
Lisa M Rose-Wiles. "Are print books dead? An investigation of book circulation at a mid-sized academic library" Technical Services Quarterly Vol. 30 Iss. 2 (2013)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/lisa_rose_wiles/29/