Before You Discard Those Journals On Your Shelves
Posted on July 27, 2011 by Kathleen Shepler | No Comments
According to a recent NLM Technical Bulletin post, “The National Network of Libraries of Medicine® (NN/LM®) and the National Library of Medicine® (NLM®) are working to ensure the preservation and continued access to the historical literature through a new national cooperative medical journals print retention program.”
In the work that has already been done, two separate RML Print Retention Task Forces reached similar conclusions. “Most medical libraries are not currently involved in a formal print retention program, many are facing down-sizing issues, and most would be interested in participating in a program if it were organized for them.” Therefore, “NLM has made decisions that will provide the framework for a national print retention program for the near future.”
Things to keep in mind if a library thinks it might want to participate:
“Approximately 250 AIM and PMC titles have been identified as the primary set of materials to preserve in print. NLM has a list organized by main title with all former titles listed separately and in chronological order. The PMC titles are only those 90 titles that were fully digitized as part of the back issue scanning project conducted from 2003-2010. These titles are the most widely cited and widely requested material and thus most valuable to protect. The list will be made available to all by mid-summer 2011.”
“The period of commitment is 25 years.”
“Journals must have all of their parts in place including covers, tables of contents, advertisements and administrative matter. We understand that many libraries have had varying binding practices over the years where during some periods, some of this material may have been removed. Any Library uncertain of the completeness status of a journal run should validate that materials are intact before making a commitment. In the event that we cannot locate 12 intact copies, NLM will revisit this requirement.”
“Libraries that choose to participate will need to sign an agreement that is being developed now.”
Keep an eye out for more information by end of the summer.
Read more details from the NLM Technical Bulletin
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