Earlham Libraries Policies: Periodicals Browsing Collection

Periodicals in Print or Electronic Format

Our preference is to subscribe to periodicals in an online format. We will acquire titles in print if:

• They are unavailable online
• The price for a print/online combo is the same as online only
• There is not a free partial substitute is available online except in special cases (e.g., Rolling Stone)
• Faculty member(s) specifically requests that the journal be available in print
• Access is hindered by being online-only—for example, if specific passwords are required, is only on one or two terminals, there are printing difficulties, or a prohibitive cost
• The periodical’s design is integral to the overall magazine’s use and meaning.
• Or, the journals and magazines make an important contribution to our print browsing collection.

The Earlham Libraries maintain a collection of print periodicals on display because we believe that browsing periodicals benefits the College by:

• Helping to produce well-rounded liberal arts students who have a deep curiosity about a variety of topics
• Helping students answer the question, “Who am I?”, by both introducing them to different viewpoints in a variety of publications as well as providing materials that mirror their own communities so as to assist them in articulating their own sense of identity and belonging
• Providing a simultaneous presentation of a diverse range of ideas
• Offering a thoughtful break from intense academic work

Browsing Periodicals Collection Criteria

In a print browsing collection, the Libraries aim to include periodicals that:

• Are written for a general audience and meet standards of originality and quality of writing and thought
• Present a diversity of viewpoints
• Respond to student, faculty, and staff demand
• Draw people into the Libraries, or
• Have an overall artistic design/layout that benefits from being read in print—for example: short features and sidebar articles that get lost in online browsing, or has a print format that is integral to the magazine's overall design (e.g., glossy paper, two-page visual spreads, or it is a nonstandard size)

Popular, high interest magazines may be collected if they:

• Reflect journalistic quality
• Can be used in a course or have educational purpose
• Contribute to diversity of viewpoint, or
• Have been specifically requested by students, faculty, or at the discretion of librarians