Preferred Journal Format Policy

In recent local journal use studies, the UC San Diego Libraries have confirmed that library users clearly prefer to use the online versions of journals over the print, when the online version is equal to or better than the print version. In the last several years as the emerging online publishing industry has evolved, the UC San Diego Libraries have often had to acquire both the print and online versions of many journals. As the digital medium has stabilized and structures have emerged to ensure its long-term preservation, the Libraries find it is no longer necessary to acquire both formats. This is especially fortunate as the acquisition of both formats increases costs to the collections budget and commits shelving space and ongoing staff resources to the handling, binding, and shelving of print journal issues that are increasingly falling into disuse.

Effective in 2008, UC San Diego Libraries will prefer the online version of journal titles for which both online and print versions are available. Print subscriptions will be cancelled when adequate safeguards are in place to ensure permanent access. Minimum safeguards include: a shared print repository for the journal available for delivery within the UC system and a trusted third party digital repository for the electronic journal. The UC San Diego Libraries will maintain print subscriptions for titles for which physical browsing availability is identified as desirable in the context of a library space and for titles for which online access is unavailable, delayed, or embargoed.