An evidence-based approach to engaging healthcare users in a journal review project

Abstract

Due to significant cutbacks in the Irish health service, the Adelaide and Meath Hospital incorporating the National Children's Hospital (AMNCH) Library's budget was reduced by 25% in 2011, necessitating the cancellation of journals. This paper describes a journal review project that adopted an evidence-based approach to evaluate journals for retention or cancellation. A second project aim was to communicate to users that a major reduction to the Library budget was expected and to prepare them for journal cancellations. A decision-making process was designed which used journal metrics and user evaluations. 500 key users were surveyed to rate journals relevant, of whom 36% responded. The process informed the decision making for 80% of titles. Of a potential 286 journals, 73 (25%) were identified for cancellation. It also provided a basis on which to evaluate journals similar in price, impact and coverage which otherwise would have been difficult to differentiate.

Share Those Stats! Collaborating With Faculty to Make Evidence‐Based Serials Collection Development Decisions

“…As Sinha and Tucker (2005) note, most libraries tackle reviews at point of crisis, when librarians are forced to make difficult decisions and are often put in the uncomfortable position of balancing the demands of a reduced budget while maintaining positive relationships with faculty. Multiple authors describe methods of gathering and incorporating faculty feedback into journal cancellation projects for the purpose of improved decision making and protecting working relationships (Murphy, 2012;Carey, Elfstrand, & Hijleh, 2008;Sinha & Tucker, 2005). The North Carolina State University and University of Nevada Las Vegas Libraries in particular created a dedicated website to inform faculty of the changes and provide another avenue to share feedback (Day & Davis, 2009;Sinha & Tucker, 2005).…”