What is Serials Management?

 

Serials Management is essential to keeping a library running smoothly and efficiently. At its core, serials management is managing a library’s periodicals, journals, magazines, newsletters, and other publications made available to patrons over a given period.

This activity is significant for libraries, as it impacts what patrons can access and when they can access it. Also, serials management helps libraries keep track of resources and costs, manage physical collection space, entertain subscription information that is up to date, and track financial obligations.

Serials management involves more than just organizing periodicals and tracking bank statements. It also includes classifying, cataloging, and indexing the publications. This helps patrons discover the materials they seek, whether they have the exact title or not. Through classification, cataloging, and indexing, patrons can identify the title that most closely relates to what they seek.

Serials management is also responsible for keeping up-to-date records. This includes in-depth information about the publication, such as its frequency, subscription rate, and subscription length, all of which are organized in a physical collection or a digital catalog. This information helps patrons access the material and allows the library to analyze the resources over a range of topics.

For library staff, serials management requires considerable organization and upkeep. Not only do staff members need to maintain records and organize the resources, but they must also manage the physical periodicals and keep cost records up to date. This is all part of ensuring that patrons easily access resources and that the library stays within its budget.

Overall, serials management is a critical part of a library’s success. Not only does it help patrons discover the resources they need, but it also helps the library maintain its physical and financial resources. Without proper management, libraries could not provide the same level of service to their patrons.