Citation patterns in the health sciences: implications for serials/monographic fund allocation

Bull Med Libr Assoc. 1993 Jan;81(1):44-7.

Abstract

This study sought to determine optimal serial-to-monograph ratios for collection development by comparing citation frequency with current library practice. Internal medicine literature cited an average of 88% serial references and 12% monographs. In an observational study, teaching physicians on internal medicine rounds cited 89.5% serials and 10.5% monographs to student teams. By contrast, health sciences libraries included in the Houston statistics spend an average of 79% of acquisitions budgets for serials and 21% for monographs. An 88:12 acquisitions budget ratio would be more appropriate, reflecting actual use of serials and monographs in the health sciences.

MeSH terms

  • Budgets*
  • Cost Allocation
  • Humans
  • Information Services / economics*
  • Periodicals as Topic / economics*