A Tale of Two Serials Cancellations

Beginning in 2016, both Western Washington University (WWU) and George Washington University (GWU) found that they needed to make significant and similar reductions in continuations costs over the next five years. In response, this past year, both institutions took independent, significant steps toward these ends, developing systematic, sustainable procedures for addressing these reductions. The approaches taken by the two institutions will be compared and contrasted in this presentation, particularly with respect to the following questions, which both libraries encountered: What defines a successful cancellation process in 2016? What are the most effective approaches to cancelling serials? When do cancellations do ”least harm” to students and faculty? After cancellations, how is access to content affected to the smallest degree possible? Did the cancellation process have the appearance of fairness to stakeholders? How does a library foster university buy-in? What do successful negotiations with publishers look like? Members of the team will discuss: Criteria for possible retention or cancellation Different assessment methods utilized Communication with subject liaisons and disciplinary teams Outreach to and response from faculty The panel will also address lessons learned from their efforts, as well as future plans in a continuing flat budget scenario.