Collections Budget Update - June 2022

The Library is committed to keeping our campus community and colleagues updated on changes to the collections budget in light of the post-secondary funding changes from the provincial government, as well as the impact this will have on the resources to which we provide access. The permanent reduction to collections base budget funding for fiscal year 2022-23 is $342,105 (roughly 1.5%). This follows on the $4M in reductions over the past two years. The current collections budget is $20.6M CAD.

The Collection Strategies Unit (CSU) continues to prioritize changes that will permit the greatest retention of unique material so as to minimize impact.

To achieve the necessary spending reductions, to date the following changes to collections have been implemented:

• Cancellation of database subscriptions where warranted based on assessment results. Decisions are based on considered interpretation of numerous sources of evidence while keeping the diversity of our collections in mind. Factors informing decision-making include usage levels, cost per use, consultation with university staff members, perpetual access to content, etc. A list of databases cancelled to date can be viewed here. This list is actively maintained.
• Changing the nature of selected package subscriptions. For example, this could mean changes to the comprehensiveness of the package or the platform on which the content is provided.
• Eliminating duplication of print books whenever possible, either against e-books or multiple copies of print. The Library has been e-preferred since 2013. We will follow current Guidelines to determine cases where exceptions will be permitted. One notable exception to this policy pertains to books that are part of the textbook lending program – we will purchase multiple copies of required textbooks, where warranted and based on course enrolment rates, to be placed in the Course Materials collections at the various libraries.
• Reducing the overall number of print books being acquired.
• Reducing the number of print journals being acquired, retaining only those titles that are actively used.

In FY 2022-23, we anticipate a reprieve from the large-scale cancellation efforts of the past two years, but selective cancellations will continue based on data and consultation as per normal practice. Adjustments may be necessary based on increasing inflation rates and fluctuations to the exchange rate.

Questions can be sent to csu@ualberta.ca