Sustaining our Journal Collections

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. The Libraries must cut collections spending by $200,000 and some Springer journals will be cut. 

A common question faculty members pose is “What does this mean for me?” The answer can be complex, depending on the discipline and commitments to teaching, research and patient care. So, what do you do if a journal that you rely on is cancelled?

VCU is not alone. Universities and colleges worldwide face the pressures of  journal subscription cost increases and lack of flexibility in sustaining their collections. A number of universities have cancelled or transformed their journal packages. VCU can learn from them.

What does it cost to purchase VCU Libraries journal collection? VCU Libraries constantly evaluates costs, use and growth trends for our biggest journal contracts. Together, these dominant publishers represent nearly one third of the collections budget. Explore the data.