Comparison of the subscription cost of print and online periodicals and their usage at the University of Moratuwa library

Abstract

The objective of the study was to explore the use of different periodical materials recommended by academic members of the University of Moratuwa against the subscription cost per use for each periodical title. The subscription costs & usage statistics related to the periodical titles subscribed in 2010 were analyzed with respect to the period, February to July 2010. The case study method was adopted in this study. The analysis confirmed that online databases have the lowest subscription cost per use and online + print journals have the highest subscription cost per use. The zero usage of periodicals, especially online materials, raises many questions regarding the periodical recommendations of academic members for their subject fields. The library should maintain a close and collaborative relationship with the departments and new introductory programmes should be designed to increase the awareness of the periodicals of the library users. Providing the facility for the remote access of online materials was another important factor to increase the usage level.