Why is the Library cancelling journal subscriptions?
The University continues to face financial pressures, and the Library has been asked to strategically reduce spending. To address these challenges, we have implemented several cost-saving measures that will impact our collections budget, including a reduction of books, journals, and databases.
Which subscriptions will be cancelled as part of the 2024-2025 cost savings measures?
As of January 1, 2025, the following subscriptions will be cancelled:
- Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) Journal Collection
- Sage Premier Collection (while retaining the Science, Technology, and Medicine subpackage) [dates of coverage forthcoming]
- Taylor and Francis journals
- Databases
Is the Library still purchasing books?
Yes, subject specialists will still purchase books that are relevant to the collection. We will purchase fewer titles “just in case,” and we will focus purchasing efforts on books that are requested for teaching and research. To recommend a purchase to your subject specialist, visit https://library.udel.edu/subject-specialists/.
Will open access help reduce costs?
The emergence of open access publishing has changed how academic work reaches its audience, eliminating traditional paywalls for online content. This shift poses a significant challenge to conventional publishers’ business models, potentially pressuring them to become more competitive with their pricing. It also addresses a longstanding inefficiency where universities essentially pay twice for research – first by funding its creation, then by purchasing access to the published results through their libraries.
How can I access articles from cancelled journals in other ways?
UD Library staff are prepared to help you get the articles you need. Our Alternate Methods of Accessing Journal Articles guide provides instructions for how to access articles in other ways. For example, UD researchers can use tools like Google Scholar, Unpaywall, and Open Access Button to quickly find open access copies, which are free to read online, when available; email the corresponding author listed in the abstract to request a copy; or use the Interlibrary Loan request form to get it from the library.
Some select articles are freely available (open access). Consult the publisher web page for information and access.
Will UD consider resubscribing to cancelled journals?
Please know that we remain open to resubscribing to high-value resources as funds become available. Our subject specialists are also ready to assist with book recommendations, access, strategies and to answer any questions you may have about these changes.
Is there still a way for me to stay up-to-date with the latest articles published in cancelled journals?
You can use alerts to discover newly published articles in specific journals by setting up alerts, or get notified of new articles that match your search queries.
If the journal is not an open access title, you will need to use one of the methods described in our Alternate Methods of Accessing Journal Articles guide.
Why are scholarly journal subscriptions so expensive?
Because the publishing of so many academic journals is consolidated under the control of so few publishers, there is a lack of competition and market forces at play. As a result, subscription costs rise faster than many consumers — in this case, scholars and academic institutions — can sustain. Meanwhile, these rapidly escalating subscription prices generate large profit margins for commercial publishers.
Annual price inflation has increased sharply post pandemic. Typically library resources have 3% increases, but this year have risen 5-9% for specific journal packages. Keeping in mind that a flat budget reduces buying power, more cancellations are planned for FY26.
Can I continue to edit, review for, or publish in cancelled journals?
Yes. Changes to our subscriptions do not impact your ability to edit, review for, or publish in academic journals. Researchers retain full academic freedom in all scholarly activities.
Still need help?
If you’re having trouble finding an open access copy of an article or using the Interlibrary Loan service, library staff are available to help. For immediate help use the Ask the Library chat service or contact your subject specialists
Where can I express my concerns about the journal and database cancellations?
We appreciate your understanding as we all work through these rather challenging times together. The Library, Museums and Press remains firmly committed to supporting your research and teaching at the University of Delaware. Please reach out to Trevor Dawes, Vice Provost for Libraries and Museums and May Morris University Librarian, Erin Daix, Associate University Librarian for Acquisitions and Collections Services, or your subject specialist if you have any concerns.