Many academic libraries are struggling with two separate yet related problems: continuing the transition from print to digital and handling legacy print collections that receive less and less use. As more and more resources are available electronically and contention for space in the library is increasing, academic libraries no longer have the luxury to retain monographs that never or hardly ever circulate. MCLS has been working with several academic libraries in Michigan to tackle these issues.

In 2011, MCLS coordinated a group project with seven academic libraries to identify commonly-held, low use monographs. MCLS contracted with Sustainable Collection Services for the data analysis that would show the number of titles held by libraries in the group and which could be responsibly removed from their collections. As a result of this work, we believe we have created a model that can be replicated among other groups.

We invite Indiana academic library staff to attend a one-hour webinar on September 6 at 2:00 pm or on September 10 at 10:00 am to learn more about this exciting project and how a similar effort could be undertaken in Indiana. This free webinar is sponsored by MCLS and is open to any academic library in Indiana. It will feature Scott Garrison, Dean of the Library at Ferris State University, and Pamela Grudzien, Head of Technical Services at Central Michigan University who will talk about the project and the impact it has had on their libraries.

Pre-registration is required. Please contact Heather Thomas at thomash@mcls.org to register. If you have additional questions, please contact Randy Dykhuis at dykhuisr@mcls.org or 800-530-9019 ext. 119.