64 · Survey Results: Survey Questions and Responses
44. Were external sources of information, such as reports from Ithaka, ARL, ALA, OCLC, etc., consulted
when developing the communication strategy? N=45
Yes 10 22%
No 35 78%
If yes, please briefly describe which reports. N=8
All the above
CIC, ALA, ARL
Consultation of literature on other libraries’ communications strategies and deaccession policies
Information gathered from ARL libraries about their disposal of JSTOR volumes
Ithaka what to withdraw and OCLC shared print at Mega-scale
JSTOR reports
References are sometimes made to the overall trends among ARL institutions or to reports such as those from Ithaka.
Scholars’ Portal updates, annual reports
45. Were there any specific challenges in crafting your library’s communication strategy? N=45
Yes 8 18%
No 37 82%
If yes, please briefly describe the challenge(s). N=7
A concept paper developed by the dean and associate dean on the possible consolidation of print collections from 7
libraries to 3 libraries: some librarians worked actively to undermine the project with the department they liaise with.
Clarifying the distinction between campus-owned and university-owned and ILL access options.
Engaging with faculty is difficult due to busy academic schedules. Expectations for respective roles of library staff and
faculty in final decision-making in this area are not always understood.
Faculty concerns over loss of print volumes.
Past decision favoring online-only journal policies not known to some academic faculty. Required negotiations with a
few faculty.
There is no unified library communication strategy.
We worked through the Faculty Senate Research Library Council to get faculty input on plans to selectively deaccession
materials. A “De-Accessioning Strategy” document was drafted, shared with internal stakeholders, revised based on
their feedback, then shared with the Faculty Senate Council. That was our main strategy. We have not sent out a press
release because the focus of our strategy at this moment is to withdraw materials that are duplicates within our own
collection at present. Once we complete this stage, we’ll look at duplication within the Five Colleges. It is a delicate
balance intended to assure our users they will continue to have access to these materials.
44. Were external sources of information, such as reports from Ithaka, ARL, ALA, OCLC, etc., consulted
when developing the communication strategy? N=45
Yes 10 22%
No 35 78%
If yes, please briefly describe which reports. N=8
All the above
CIC, ALA, ARL
Consultation of literature on other libraries’ communications strategies and deaccession policies
Information gathered from ARL libraries about their disposal of JSTOR volumes
Ithaka what to withdraw and OCLC shared print at Mega-scale
JSTOR reports
References are sometimes made to the overall trends among ARL institutions or to reports such as those from Ithaka.
Scholars’ Portal updates, annual reports
45. Were there any specific challenges in crafting your library’s communication strategy? N=45
Yes 8 18%
No 37 82%
If yes, please briefly describe the challenge(s). N=7
A concept paper developed by the dean and associate dean on the possible consolidation of print collections from 7
libraries to 3 libraries: some librarians worked actively to undermine the project with the department they liaise with.
Clarifying the distinction between campus-owned and university-owned and ILL access options.
Engaging with faculty is difficult due to busy academic schedules. Expectations for respective roles of library staff and
faculty in final decision-making in this area are not always understood.
Faculty concerns over loss of print volumes.
Past decision favoring online-only journal policies not known to some academic faculty. Required negotiations with a
few faculty.
There is no unified library communication strategy.
We worked through the Faculty Senate Research Library Council to get faculty input on plans to selectively deaccession
materials. A “De-Accessioning Strategy” document was drafted, shared with internal stakeholders, revised based on
their feedback, then shared with the Faculty Senate Council. That was our main strategy. We have not sent out a press
release because the focus of our strategy at this moment is to withdraw materials that are duplicates within our own
collection at present. Once we complete this stage, we’ll look at duplication within the Five Colleges. It is a delicate
balance intended to assure our users they will continue to have access to these materials.
