Due to ongoing financial constraints, the Library has been directed to reduce its Resources budget by £500,000—approximately one-third of its total expenditure. Consequently, we are systematically reviewing all subscriptions (including databases, e-journals, e-books, and associated tools) upon renewal and prioritizing cancellations for those with limited usage or minimal relevance to teaching and research.
How subscriptions work
In recent years, libraries have increasingly relied on large publisher packages that offer access to a wide range of journals. However, usage data shows that only a small proportion of these titles are regularly accessed, while many go unused. These bundled deals are extremely costly, and current budgets can no longer sustain them.
As a result, we may need to cancel some of these collections and instead subscribe to individual high-use titles within our financial constraints. This may lead to fewer journals being immediately accessible. Our team is currently analysing data to identify high use titles.
Faculty members may need to identify alternative sources for teaching and research materials. Our librarians are available to assist in locating suitable alternatives and mitigating the impact of these changes. We encourage staff to consult their designated librarian for guidance on recent cancellations and potential resource options.
Mitigation Strategies
To support teaching and research continuity despite subscription reductions, the Library will implement the following measures:
We remain committed to updating faculties regarding further changes as we work towards meeting budgetary requirements.
Resource Lists Guidance
The Resources budget also supports items included in Resource Lists. To optimise budget:
For further assistance in navigating these changes, please engage with your librarian. Thank you for working collaboratively with us in managing this challenging period