Collection Management Resources
Gift Periodicals Policy

Main Collection Management Page

Please read the existing policies (or at least what I've been able to find in writing) and then  what I've proposed for a new policy.  Please suggest any improvements / changes etc. & I'll rewrite & we can discuss next time we meet if necessary.

GIFTS OF PERIODICALS

Existing policies:
The policy regarding the acceptance of gift periodicals (back issues of journals, whether long runs or scattered issues) is to decline the gift unless the issue or issues fill a gap in the collection.  The exception would have to be a rare or costly set which the library does not have.  An individual decision would have to be made by the librarian in charge of the subject area involved for each offer. -- CD Policy Draft, Andrews Library, 20 August 1985
 The policy regarding the acceptance of gift periodicals (back issues of journals, whether long runs or scattered issues) is to decline the gift unless the issue or issues fill a gap or deficiency in the collection.  The exception would be the offer of a rare or costly set which the library does not have.  An individual decision would have to be made by the librarian in charge of the subject area involved for each offer. -- Gift policy statement, Andrews Library, 20 March 1992.  {Note addition of word deficiency, which is a change of meaning from 1985 version}

Unstated in old policy:
that we would not accept back runs for titles to which we do not have a current subscription; that it would be unethical to accept  current issues as a gift because of disparities in individual and institutional subscription prices; that before Gault & Timken we did not have space to add runs of journals {OTHER ISSUES??}

Proposed new policy:
 The policy regarding the acceptance of gift periodicals (back issues of journals, whether long runs or scattered issues) is to decline unless the issue(s) fill a gap in titles currently in the collection.  Exceptions may be made for titles new to the collection at the discretion of the librarian in charge of the subject area, in consultation with other librarians as appropriate, taking into consideration such matters as: potential use of the title on campus, likelihood of the library entering a current subscription to the title, CONSORT and OhioLINK holdings,  availability in electronic form [such as through JSTOR], relationship to special collections in the library,  space requirements, cost of binding or other preservation measures needed.
 The library cannot accept periodical issues or runs merely to offer them to other libraries through Duplicate Exchange or other exchange mechanism.