Subscription Review History

2022 / 23

The Western Libraries has finalized the outcomes of the 2022-23 subscription review process. These changes–which will take effect on January 1, 2024–are part of an ongoing effort to ensure that the university’s subscriptions portfolio remains dynamic and relevant.

In winter quarter, the Libraries shared a list of 44 existing subscriptions under review and 14 new subscriptions requested by members of the university community. Based on the feedback we received, we will be canceling four (4) existing subscriptions in order to add three (3) new subscriptions to our collection. The impacted titles include:

We are pleased to share that the canceled subscriptions will still be accessible through library databases like Academic Search Complete, ProQuest Biological Sciences Database, and JSTOR. Individual articles not available on other platforms can be acquired through Interlibrary Loan (ILL).

If you have any questions about the titles, library subscriptions, or the subscription review process, please reach out to the Libraries’ Subject Teams or contact the Libraries’ Collection Services division. Western students, faculty, and staff can also continue to submit new subscription requests for next year’s review via our New Subscription Request Form.

2021 / 2022

The Western Libraries finalized the outcomes of the 2021-22 subscription review process in Spring of 2022. These changes–which will take effect on January 1, 2023–are part of an ongoing effort to ensure that the university’s subscriptions portfolio remains dynamic and relevant.

In winter quarter, 2022, the Libraries shared a list of 59 existing subscriptions under review and 18 new subscriptions requested by members of the university community. Based on the feedback we received, we will be canceling six (6) existing subscriptions in order to add seven (7) new subscriptions to our collection. Individuals affiliated with Western can log in to review the full list of titles.

We are pleased to share that most of the canceled subscriptions will still be accessible through library databases like Academic Search CompleteCINAHL Complete, and JSTOR. Individual articles not available on other platforms can be acquired through Interlibrary Loan (ILL).

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Libraries’ Subject Teams or contact the Libraries’ Collection Services division. Western students, faculty, and staff can also continue to submit new subscription requests for next year’s review via our New Subscription Request Form.

2020 / 2021

In response to a commitment from the Provost’s Office to provide full, one-time funding for the 2020 / 2021 fiscal year, the Libraries was able to halt cancellations. The much-needed funds allowed us to move from a reactionary stance into a more deliberate, strategic review of our subscription portfolio.

It was a great relief not to have to cancel subscriptions in 2020 / 2021. However, this financial reprieve did not include funding for new subscriptions. Having received many faculty requests for new journals and databases over the years, the Libraries still wished to better align subscription content with Western’s current teaching and research needs. During the 2020-21 subscription review process, some departments requested new subscriptions in place of existing ones. To honor these requests and ensure that the university’s subscription portfolio remained dynamic and relevant, the Libraries moved forward with a small number of request-driven subscription swaps. Our net subscription spending remained the same, but the content itself shifted into closer alignment with the curriculum.

The titles that were cancelled effective January 1, 2022 include:

  • Econometrics Journal (Oxford University Press)
  • Economic Journal (Oxford University Press)
  • Journal of Marketing Research (SAGE)
  • Merrill Palmer Quarterly 
  • Early Music (Oxford University Press)
  • Musical Quarterly (Oxford University Press)

 

New titles that begin January 1, 2022 include:

  • Representations
  • Philippine Studies Historical and Ethnographic Viewpoints
  • Caribbean Studies
  • Speculum
  • Journal of Financial Education
  • Financial Management
  • Ethnomusicology

 

This is in addition to new titles added using decision package funds in early childhood education, marine and coastal sciences, and STEM (engineering and design, energy studies, chemistry, and biology).

The Libraries intends to proactively review subscriptions in 2021-22 and explore additional title swaps in order to better meet the university’s ever-changing needs. We intend to maintain net subscription spending; however, if in future biennia the subscription budget is not adequately funded, the Libraries will again need to pursue large-scale subscription cancellations.

The Libraries is grateful for the university’s engagement with the subscription review process this year. We look forward to working with the university community on a long-term and predictable budgeting model that allows for more strategic, sustainable subscriptions in the future.

Don’t hesitate to contact your Subject Team or the Collection Services division if you or your department have questions, concerns, or library needs. We are here for you!