I want to conclude by emphasizing how far behind CWU is in converting to a digital serial collection. Libraries began the discussion of conversion to digital serial holdings in the early 1990’s (Metz & Gherman, 1991). By the late 2000’s many universities had made the conversion to digital serial holdings (Zambare et al., 2009; Dietsch, Heet & Thibodeau, 2015). Furthermore, these articles describe best practices that suggest successful conversions require a conversion of the majority of the serials collections in one massive conversion, from 70% (Zambare et al, 2009) to a complete conversion except for those journals, for which at the time the conversion occurred quality of photos could not be guaranteed (Dietsch, Heet & Thibodeau, 2015). Digital conversion technology has significantly advanced since those conversions such that picture quality is no longer an issue, such that it is likely the conversion would now be completed in a single operation. On an anecdotal level, discussion with other library deans and directors in the Orbis Cascade Alliance ( https://www.orbiscascade.org/ ), of which we are a member, continues to reinforce that those who have successfully converted to digital serial holdings did so as a single conversion project or a significantly large project, 50% or more. Those who are still struggling to make the conversion find themselves in that predicament because a multi-year plan was implemented. These were designed around small conversions, usually less than 25% of the collection per year. Downturns in enrollment, demands that specific academic program needs take priority in collection development and what can best be described as unknown unknowns either delayed or halted the projected conversion. The capacity to transform the library into a true learning commons serving all students, undergraduate and graduate, as well as all faculty and staff in the most efficacious manner is dependent on an efficient conversion of library resources to content delivery currently expected by students, faculty and staff (Zambare et al., 2009; Dietsch, Heet & Thibodeau, 2015). A single-year conversion is that most efficient conversion! References: Dietsch, B.M., Heet, E.C., & Thibodeau, P.L. (2015). Sweeping it all away: A case study in the elimination of an on-site journal collection. Serials Review, 41, 153 – 159. Metz, P. & Gherman, P.M. (1991). Serials pricing and the role of the electronic journal. College & Research Libraries, 52(4), 315 – 327.
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