Are Print Books Dead? An Investigation of Book Circulation at a Mid-Sized Academic Library

Abstract

In this article the author analyzes circulation of print books at Seton Hall University Libraries using the WorldCat Analysis tool and Voyager data. Only 21.5% of the collection circulated between 2005 and 2009, but circulation varied by subject area. Circulation was higher for subjects with more current collections. Over one-third of recent science books circulated, while older science books had low circulation. Print book circulation declined by 23% between 2005 and 2009. Results of this study informed collection development and prompted a comprehensive weeding project, participation in an international scholarly reading study, and an e-book, patron-driven acquisition program.

KEYWORDS:

• circulation
• science books
• WorldCat Analysis tool
• patron-driven acquisition

Notes

This research was supported by a grant from the Seton Hall University Research Council.

Note:

¹585 books with publication date “other” are not included.

²Includes OCLC categories “unknown classification” and “Library Science, Generalities & Reference.”

³Books published 2000–2011.

Note: ¹Excludes government documents.

Significant correlation between % of books in subject area published since 2000 and % circulated (r = 0.614, df 12, p < 0.05).

¹Percentage of expected use = % total books checkouts/% of total book holdings *100. Excludes government documents.

Includes 585 books with no publication date recorded.

Values > 1 S.D. (28%) from mean are in bold type.

Note: ¹includes government documents and “other.”

Note: ¹Percentage of expected use = % total books checkouts/% of total book holdings *100. Excludes government documents and 585 books with no publication date recorded.

Values > 1 S.D. (94.6%) from mean (92.3%) are in bold type.