The Claim

Abstract

As libraries reorient themselves from maintaining collections of print serials to providing online access to e-serials, check-in is beginning to emerge as an outmoded and perhaps dispensable practice. The result is that libraries are faced with the challenge of implementing new, e-serial-centered practices to replace check-in. While the professional literature now abounds with information and perspectives that can help libraries to make the transition from print to e-serials, there has been little focus on the theoretical connections that unite traditional and emerging serials management practices. By first identifying the primary objectives of check-in, the following article aims to help fill this gap in the literature.