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This paper focuses on the various processes, methods and tough decisions made by the University of Kansas Libraries to provide library materials while maintaining a flat collections budget for over eight years. During this period, those responsible for the Libraries' collections have implemented quick stopgap measures, picked all the 'low-hanging fruit', and eventually canceled a large journal package. This case study will help other librarians facing the reality of maintaining collections at a time when budgets, changing formats and publication practices are all obstacles to providing patrons with what they need. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the academic library field it is an all too common reality that budgets are either stagnant or decreasing. Lea Currie has faced this reality since she started in her role as the Head of Content Development at the University of Kansas (KU). Since 2008, Currie and the KU Collection Development team have taken strides to implement rigorous review processes and conservative policies to counteract the stagnant budget. Currie’s presentation focused on the considerable challenge her library faced in 2016 as inflation made it necessary to find $200,000 in cuts to the collection development budget. This mandate marked the beginning of the deep data dive. The Collection Development team was charged with the task of deciphering which resources could be cut with the least amount of impact to the student and faculty. Negotiations with publishers have proven to be the most static stage of the entire process and remain ongoing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]