The Library Faculty is in the process of reviewing all subscriptions, analyzing usage statistics, and assessing the curricular and instructional value of databases, journals, and journal packages. This review includes all disciplines and has resulted in the "FY26 Databases and Journals Cancellation List" below.   While these data-informed decisions are necessary to align our collections with available funding while continuing to support the curriculum, we are sensitive to concerns about losing access to resources, and we are working on ways to minimize the impact of cancellations.

As stewards of library collections for the collective common good, the Library Faculty are committed to prioritizing resources for teaching, learning, and student scholarship and to optimizing our Books and Materials Budget. We are well versed in assessing and managing the implications of contemporary budget cuts and the realities of collection budgets.

The FY26 Databases and Journals Cancellation List was prepared by Library Faculty as part of our regular evaluation of library collections.  Usage as well as application of the "Criteria for Collection Assessment" (as described below) were used for as part of our evaluation process. 

The spreadsheet, available to view and download, is a working document and will be updated with additional information when necessary.   We have included 3 tabs: All Titles, plus breakouts for Journals and Databases & Packages.  Titles include usage, current access expiration, and alternative access options post-cancellation. 

PLEASE NOTE:  Additional resources are still being considered for cancellation.  We are working with vendors to receive accurate usage data before making any final decisions.  Specific departments will be notified separately when we receive additional information.

Lemieux Library Faculty conduct regular evaluations of library collections, both physical and electronic, to ensure alignment with Seattle University curriculum and research needs. While an important component of our assessment is to monitor usage data for each resource, we also take into consideration the resource’s uniqueness, relevance, and impact on academic programs. In addition, we look at content overlap in other resources, as well as the use of interlibrary loan and document delivery as alternative access solutions. The following descriptive criteria have been used and applied to all library subscriptions to assist in ongoing assessment.

CRITICAL:

Definition: Resource provides broad interdisciplinary academic support and/or unique subject-specific support for high demand programs. Cancellation would severely impact our ability to provide research and instructional support for the undergraduate and graduate curriculum.  Use of Interlibrary Loan / Document Delivery as a alternative to cancellation would severely impact accessibility to content.

Examples of factors to consider when assigning CRITICAL could include: 
•    Resource is consistently used in instruction sessions
•    Resource is consistently used for research consultations
•    Resource/Content is required for specific curriculum need or for accreditation
•    Cancellation of Resource/Content would compromise curriculum or program 

ESSENTIAL: 
Definition: Resource provides interdisciplinary academic support and subject-specific support for programs. Cancellation could impact our ability to provide research and instructional support for the undergraduate and graduate curriculum. Other resources may have overlapping content, or Interlibrary Loan / Document Delivery options might provide similar access and academic support. 

Examples of factors to consider when assigning ESSENTIAL could include:
•    Resource is occasionally used in instruction sessions
•    Resource is occasionally used in research consultations
•    Resource/Content enhance quality of curriculum need
•    Cancellation of Resource/Content would be accommodated by shifting reliance onto other resources to support curriculum

LOW IMPACT:  
Definition: Resource is out of scope with current curriculum. Content is no longer needed or may be available in other preferred resources.  Cancellation of resource would have little to no impact on our ability to provide research and instructional support for undergraduate or graduate curriculum. Other resources may have overlapping content, or Interlibrary Loan / Document Delivery options would provide similar access and academic support. 

Examples of factors to consider when assigning LOW IMPACT could include:
•    Resource is rarely used in instruction sessions
•    Resource is rarely used in research consultations
•    Resource/Content provides minor support for curriculum 
•    Cancellation of Resource/Content would be accommodated by shifting reliance onto other resources to support curriculum

Please use the Collection Assessment Project Comment Form below if you have any questions or comments about the resource evaluation and cancellation process. Feedback will be received and reviewed by Jan Hartley, Director of Resource Acquisition & Management within 24 business hours.