Sustaining the scholarly collection is a continuing effort

2024

Fall VIVA, the academic library consortium of Virginia, concludes negotiations for a two-year agreement (2024-2026) with Springer-Nature Group for statewide access to Springer journals, eliminating the need for Springer cancellations by VCU Libraries.
Spring Anticipating more significant budget reductions for FY 2024, the Libraries begins planning for a $200,000 cut to the collections budget, with an eye on Springer journals. VCU Libraries has provided access to Springer journals via a large package subscription of more than 2,100 peer-reviewed journals. The current contract ends December 31, 2023.

Fall The Libraries learns that unavoidable cost increases would not be funded. In addition, the Libraries received a 4% budget reduction, setting the stage for the possibility of future cuts to the collections.

August New website about journal collections launched
August VCU Libraries Collections librarians prepare report on possible cancellations
Fall semester List of possible cancellations announced and published for comments
Throughout fall semester, liaison librarians meet with faculty in schools they work with to brief them on “Big Deal” negotiations
Fall semester VCU Libraries hosts series of open ‘town hall” style meetings scheduled to discuss journal collection with faculty
Dean of Libraries discusses Big Deal negotiations with Dean’s Council and Associate Provosts
October VCU Libraries successfully concludes negotiations with Elsevier for a new contract effective Jan. 1, 2022 through Dec. 31, 2024
Restoration of university funds, combined with reductions in costs from some publishers, eliminated the need for additional cancellations in FY 2022.

Selected VCU Libraries communications on journal sustainability

Fall VIVA, the academic library consortium of Virginia, concludes negotiations for a two-year agreement (2024-2026) with Springer-Nature Group for statewide access to Springer journals, eliminating the need for Springer cancellations by VCU Libraries.
Spring Anticipating more significant budget reductions for FY 2024, the Libraries begins planning for a $200,000 cut to the collections budget, with an eye on Springer journals. VCU Libraries has provided access to Springer journals via a large package subscription of more than 2,100 peer-reviewed journals. The current contract ends December 31, 2023.

Fall The Libraries learns that unavoidable cost increases would not be funded. In addition, the Libraries received a 4% budget reduction, setting the stage for the possibility of future cuts to the collections.

August New website about journal collections launched
August VCU Libraries Collections librarians prepare report on possible cancellations
Fall semester List of possible cancellations announced and published for comments
Throughout fall semester, liaison librarians meet with faculty in schools they work with to brief them on “Big Deal” negotiations
Fall semester VCU Libraries hosts series of open ‘town hall” style meetings scheduled to discuss journal collection with faculty
Dean of Libraries discusses Big Deal negotiations with Dean’s Council and Associate Provosts
October VCU Libraries successfully concludes negotiations with Elsevier for a new contract effective Jan. 1, 2022 through Dec. 31, 2024
Restoration of university funds, combined with reductions in costs from some publishers, eliminated the need for additional cancellations in FY 2022.