Timeline

2023

Spring Anticipating more significant budget reductions for FY 2024, the Libraries begins planning for a $200,000 cut to the collections budget, focusing on unbundling the Springer journals package.

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.

VCU Libraries communications on journal sustainability

October 2020
- Interim Dean of Libraries Presentation to VCU Council of Deans
September 2020
- Journal package pricing for VCU updated for 2020
- VIVA suspends open-access publishing funding program
August 2020
- VCU Libraries invites feedback on proposed journal and database cancellations
- Virginia’s research library leaders to host online forum on sustainable scholarship Oct. 2
May 2020
- Open Access publishing funding stream ends May 15
November 2019
- VCU Libraries presentation to Research Development Advisory Council
September 2019
- Dean of Libraries Presentation to VCU Faculty Senate on Journal Costs
April 2019