Giving Them What They Want: Providing Information for a Serials Review Project

In preparation for a comprehensive serials review project, we created a homegrown Access database in order to bring together and analyze information about our collection from multiple sources. Bibliographic and order information were taken from the catalog; online access information was exported from the A‐to‐Z list; and in‐house as well as electronic use statistics were gathered. These were assembled into a single, easy‐to‐use form showing the comprehensive range of data for each title. From there, the information could be tailored to best serve each level of review during the decision making process. The discussion includes the challenges in assembling and presenting the data to diverse constituent groups, the results of the cancellation project and the role having a comprehensive database of information played throughout. Finally we will discuss the reasons for choosing this method of review over a commercial product and our suggestions for others in similar circumstances.