Impact of Full Text on Print Journal Use

The availability of full text journal articles online affects patrons\u27 use of the library\u27s print journal collection. This case study of a liberal arts college library collection quantifies the change in print journal use from 1996 to 2003. Variables that affect print journal use are discussed, highlighting college student needs and behaviors. Validity and reliability of journal use studies is investigated, and the use of Coefficient of Variance is described as a tool to measure the reliability of journal use counts. Results show that overall use of the print collection decreased by 52 percent. Use of print journals also available in full text showed a greater decrease in use than journals not available online. Changes in use for each of the academic disciplines represented at the college are reported