Serials Literature Review 2008–9

Abstract

The serials literature from 2008 and 2009 reveals the new identity of the serials professional—one who embraces openness. Many forces have pushed the serials profession into a state of flux; among these are the recent economic recession, the evolution of scholarly publishing, and the concept of open systems and data. Chaotic change for serialists has evolved into opportunities to revise collection strategies, approach Big Deal purchasing in new ways, devise creative user-access solutions, and become stakeholders in the debates over scholarly communication. The literature also reveals serials professionals developing a Web 2.0 sensibility. These themes are presented in the review through a discussion of six major topics: sustainability of serials pricing, the future of the Big Deal, management of electronic resources, access, blurring and decline of formats, and Web 2.0.