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How do I ask the Library to subscribe to a new journal title?

Requests for new subscriptions should be sent via your library representative to Research Support with supporting information indicating its use in teaching and/or research. All requests are evaluated against a set of criteria by the Subscriptions Review Group, in consultation with academic departments, to ensure equitable coverage across all subject areas.

How does the Library review existing journal subscriptions?

In collaboration with the departmental representative, the Research Support team have a rolling programme of reviewing the titles allocated to the subject area against a set of criteria.

Our subscription model is based not only on need but also has a built-in methodology for judging whether the title is core to Sussex teaching and research priorities. It is a system of evaluation which helps both the selection of new titles and the monitoring of current subscriptions in a way which is manageable by a few staff.

This methodology is based on a system of scoring against a set of criteria that alters slightly depending on whether the title suggested is a new subscription or newly published. Each of the criteria is weighted and a score assigned. Taken individually each metric has its flaws; some may be more subject biased, some may not be entirely accurate, but as a whole they provide us with a clear picture of the value of adding or retaining the title.

Criteria used for reviewing existing subscriptions and evaluating requests

  1. Titles used by Sussex academic faculty for submission in the 2008 RAE
  2. Locally cited references
  3. A high Impact Factor
  4. Inter-library requests (ILRs)
  5. Citation on reading lists
  6. High online usage
  7. Essential for research / essential for teaching
  8. The cost

A fuller description of the journal evaluation process is available as well.