ABSTRACT
In the past decade, e-resources have become a significant portion of the serials processed in the technical service departments of libraries. Unfortunately, databases, e-journals, e-books, and other e-resources do not fit neatly into preexisting workflows designed to process print serials. As a result, workflow managers have had to make major changes to these preexisting workflows while developing new workflows to effectively process their libraries’ evolving collections. In order to maintain efficiency in this highly dynamic environment, periodic analysis of serial workflows is essential. This chapter provides guidelines through which a manager of serials processing can carry out workflow analyses in order to succeed in an environment increasingly dominated by e-resources. In particular, the chapter outlines a plan for how workflows for processing serials in both print and electronic formats can be analyzed in order to uncover and then eliminate inefficiencies. The chapter begins by discussing a few of the most important issues impacting serial workflows and reviewing the basic acquisitions cycle and workflows for serials. Building on this information, the chapter provides managers with general guidelines for analysis, design, and planning of workflows. The chapter concludes with an exploration of specific examples for realizing efficiencies throughout technical service units with responsibilities for processing serials.
