In a statement Tuesday, the Library announced it will reduce duplication of materials and cut journal and database subscriptions, as well as purchases of books and other print materials, by 5 percent. Still, the Library will try to minimize the impact on faculty activity, according to the statement, and to maintain access to certain resources.
The new budget cuts follow a 10 percent decrease in the collections-purchase budget that was announced in July for the current fiscal year.
Ann Okerson, associate University librarian for collections and international programs, said cuts will vary across disciplines, which require different library resources. Whereas science researchers tend to rely on online publications, those working in the humanities and area studies are typically more interested in printed books and journals, Okerson said.
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Okerson said acquisitions librarians have been working to reduce the number of duplicate library materials. In the past, the Library has bought electronic access to databases even though it may also have print copies of some of the included works. Though the databases are often more convenient, she said, the Library can pay for access in better economic times, while scholarly books may only be available in print for a limited amount of time.
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Okerson said the Library will not look to a large-scale digitization initiative to cut expenses.
“Quality digitization that has utility for ou users is quite costly,” she wrote in an e-mail. “There are also copyright issues with current books, and you have to have a copy to digitize it — even if you had permission — so this is not a path to cost reduction.”
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