Winter 2025 Subscription Review Update

The Western Libraries will be identifying approximately $29,000 in journal, database, and e-book subscriptions to cancel during the 2024-25 subscription review. 

For several years, the Libraries has used carryforward funds to postpone the need for subscription cancellations. Unfortunately, we are now projecting subscriptions deficits in FY2026 and beyond. This year, we will need to identify $29,000 in journals, databases, and other subscriptions to cancel. More information about why this is happening and what it will look like is available on the Libraries' subscription review webpage. 

This year, the Libraries will make cancellation decisions with university input via the established subscription review process. The current review schedule, which will include a feedback survey in February and March, allows the Libraries to make cancellation and renewal decisions by the end of the academic and fiscal years. At the same time, the Libraries hopes to lay the foundation for a significantly improved subscription review process to guide us through FY2026 and beyond. More information about this revised process will become available as it is developed. 

 Reductions on this scale will require difficult decisions. As such, the Libraries is committed to having frank and collaborative conversations about university subscription priorities so that we can continue to be good stewards and good partners, combining our own expertise with a broad understanding of your diverse needs and perspectives. Departments are strongly encouraged to connect with Subject Teams and consider inviting them to Winter or Spring department meetings. 

Questions? Review our FAQ page or contact one of our Subject Teams. We always welcome the opportunity to discuss library subscriptions and the changing landscape of scholarly publishing. We will add to the public FAQ as new questions arise.