Selection Procedure:
There can be two sets of operations in the selection of periodicals: those relating to continuing titles, and those relating to new titles. i) Continuing Titles Every library will have a set of periodicals that are currently received. The subscriptions for them have to be renewed every year. The procedure involved in this renewal work can be outlined as follows:
• Preparing be current list
• Reviewing the current list
• Consulting the cooperating libraries
• Reviewing the financial position
• Selecting items for deletion
• Consulting the experts, and
• obtaining sanction
A complete list of currently received periodicals should be made with the new subscription amounts payable against each title. This list must then be subjected to a review by examining the desirability of continuing each item. Such a review and revision of the list will become necessary due to many reasons, like the unworthiness of certain periodicals, the appearance of new and more worthy publications, the change in the requirements of the clientele, or inadequacy of funds. Although deletion of items once taken is an unhealthy practice, deletion would become unavoidable in certain circumstances. At be same time it must be remembered that periodicals have a permanent value. Even if a temporary decline in value can be found in the case of a particular periodical, it is more prudent to continue the title than cancel it. Collection building with regard to periodicals is a work that requires great forethought. Frequent deletions from current lists only indicate lack of this forethought in the original selection. There may be occasions when a cooperating library in the neighbourhood also is subscribing to the same journal. In such a case; an understanding should be arrived at between the two libraries to avoid duplication. Deletions effected through such arrangements can be replaced by new titles. In any case, necessary consultation with subject experts is a pre-requisite in finalizing the list. The final list is then presented to the sanctioning authority for sanction. The list is then ready for ordering.