Surveying Non-Usage of Serials

A method for collecting data on non-usage of serials in a polytechnic library is described, together with a formula for analysing the results. The method uses disturbance of slips of paper inserted into the serials as an indicator of usage, and does not rely heavily on either user co-operation or library staff time. The results are easily analysed using a commercial spreadsheet package. The likely application of this type of information is to aid In the making of difficult decisions about cancellations of serials subscriptions, and by providing some kind of quantitative support in making such cancellations. It must be remembered, however, that any values derived are relative rather than empirical, and can only be compared with other values arrived at using the same technique.