Managing Print Serials: Jumping in Mid-Stream as a Newly Appointed Serials Librarian and Carrying Out an Inventory

Abstract

ABSTRACT Serials librarians are well aware of the fact that print serials require unique methods for proper management. From first check-in to shelving, maintaining, and potential weeding, there are a variety of tasks to engage in along the way to ensure essential management. This paper outlines two combined presentations on print serials management. The first section showcased how a newly appointed serials librarian “discovered” and managed her print collection over the course of a year and highlights her plans for future developments. The second part of the session provided a method for carrying out a multipart approach to a print serials inventory project that includes training, inventory assignments, quality control measures, and progress tracking. The inventory process aimed to enhance the library’s catalog and OCLC local holdings records; check the health of the print collection; and record an accurate total number of bound serial units.