Serials usage in a law library : a case study

Abstract

This research project investigates the use of 140 serials in a medium-sized law library. The method used to measure the use of the serials was the Table Count method and the study period was for 4 weeks. After the use of the serials had been ascertained and the subscription costs of the serials collected, the cost-per-use of each of the serials was determined. The cost-per-use of each of the serials was then compared to a standard $14.00 interloan cost to determine cost effectiveness. The results of the 4 weeks study period revealed that 66 (or 47.14%) of the serkls tides were used. Of those serials titles 47 (or 33.75%) were more cost effective to subscribe to than to interloan during this period. Due to the varying nature of the work of this legal organisation and the way the ibrary is used by staff members, the researcher recommends that before cancellation of any serials titles is considered, the length of the study should be extended so that some of the problans with data collection could be better addressed.