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The authors propose a bibliometric model for discarding journal volumes at academic libraries, i.e., removal to offsite storage as part of the library's serials collection. The method is based on the volume as the unit of measurement and on user satisfaction with given titles. The discarding age, calculated for each volume, from the year of publication to the year of decision to discard, is dependent on citation half-life, relative productivity, knowledge area, and residual utility (potential consultations). The model makes it possible to predict the approximate size of a collection when a stationary state is reached in which the inflow of journal volumes is equal to the outflow from discarding. The model is also able to determine the rate of growth of the holdings. This information can be used to optimize future use of available space and economic and maintenance resources; thus promoting efficient management of the collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A six-month journal evaluation study was conducted at the two NOAA libraries in Boulder, Colorado, from 28 October 1975 to 28 April 1976 to assist in subscription renewal activities, enhancement of collection relevance, and determination of efficient methodology. Data were collected from a use study, circulation and interlibrary loan statistics, a core list, local availability, questionnaire returns, subscription costs, and librarian and patron input. Results showed that (1) monitoring use for three months pulled 84% of the low-use titles obtained in the six-month study indicating that a three-month study is sufficient; (2) considering the lower 31% of the collection in terms of six-month useage, the same titles were pulled 92% of the time when using raw use versus use density data, indicating that use density data need not be obtained for determination of low value titles; (3) when two or more scientists (about 0.8% of scientists responding to a questionnaire) recommended a title, it appeared as a low-use (two or fewer uses) title 5.5% of the time (13.7% of the time for one or more scientists) thus indicating the significance of scientists' recommendations; (4) a balance index for determination of collection balance was derived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]