The Impact of Electronic Journals on Use of Print in Geology

Abstract

This study examines the use of geology journals at Washington State University (WSU), before and after electronic access was provided, to determine if the use of the print collection increased as in the previous studies at WSU of three other science disciplines. The number and source of articles cited by WSU geologists from 1998 to 2004 is also examined to determine the impact of electronic access on citation patterns. In light of inflation and package deals, librarians need to understand how faculty use journals. This analysis will assist librarians in better understanding journal usage to inform future serial purchasing decisions.