E-Journal Usage Statistics in Action: A Case Study from Cancer Research UK

This case study is based on an evaluation of e-journal titles with COUNTER-compliant usage statistics. By comparing online usage levels with journal costs, Cancer Research UK (CRUK) has been able to develop a simple “cost-per-download” model, which can then be compared with the average cost of obtaining a copy of a journal article from document supply sources. It is appreciated that the number of downloads, while giving an indication of usefulness, does not accurately represent the full value of an online journal. This is the first step in the ongoing development and refinement of a process for more accurately assessing the value a journal delivers against its cost. It is hoped that this case study will be of interest to other information professionals engaged in the perennial struggle to balance user demand for easy access to a rich and extensive journals collection with the need to control the library budget.