The Serials Management Handbook: A Practical Guide to Print and Electronic Serials Management

Citation

Leila Abaid, T. (2002), "The Serials Management Handbook: A Practical Guide to Print and Electronic Serials Management", Collection Building, Vol. 21 No. 1, pp. 45-47. https://doi.org/10.1108/cb.2002.21.1.45.3

In the fluctuating and challenging world of serials, complicated by the advent of the electronic journal, librarians are seeking solutions to myriad problems. Recent UK monographs on serials management have been few, and this UK publication addresses universal concerns. Though not a how‐to manual in managing serials, as the title might suggest, or even as practical a guide as the well‐known titles from the USA, by Chiou‐sen Chen or by Thomas Nisonger, this informed and probing compilation of nine essays has much to offer. The chapter authors are mainly from university libraries, but also include public and special librarians with representation from the publishing industry, thus managing to “bring together all the participants in the sector”. Each submission concludes with an excellent resource: a comprehensive bibliography including Web sites.

The opening article, by Jack Meadows, discusses the need for and growth of serials as used for scholarly communication, with all of the ensuing issues, many yet to be resolved. Sally Morris presents the role and contributions of the publisher while outlining the process of publication. The delivery options of serial information, particularly as they pertain to the electronic journal, from consortial arrangements to document delivery, are addressed by Woodward and Archer. Recognizing the additional dimension of the e‐journal and its impact on budgeting, ordering and paying for serials, Jill Taylor‐Roe addresses these important issues.

The role of the subscription agent has been greatly affected by electronic subscriptions; Kidd and Prior delve into the many‐faceted aspects of serials acquisitions. In his article on processing, Searle analyzes the need for an integrated library management system to accommodate both print and electronic holdings. Ownership versus access, an essential factor affecting stock management, is the topic of Stevenson’s article, while in his essay, Brown addresses the challenges of exploiting the serials collection through awareness and marketing and the gathering of usage data for collection management. Martin White’s concluding essay recognizes the impact of technological changes on authors, publishers, subscription agents, librarians and users and the need for each unit to learn the roles of the others and to work together to find viable options.

This book does not purport to offer answers to the problems arising from the changing model of the library. It does provide insights that would help the reader find solutions for managing the hybrid library, one that combines both print and electronic resources. Working through the problems, one might overcome the frustrations and appreciate the Chinese blessing, quoted by White, “May you live in interesting times”.