JSTOR reaches critical mass

Volume 17, Number 2 • February 2000

JSTOR reaches critical mass — The system saves shelf space and is a great tool for researchers
by Terry Ballard

THE SYSTEMS LIBRARIAN column focuses on JSTOR (journal storage), an electronic system devised to save shelf space in libraries by scanning complete runs of journals. Says it has its roots in the University of Michigan. Reports that it is now a library staple, noting that more than 670 institutions in 48 states and the District of Columbia have paid JSTOR's substantial opening cost to become permanent members of the enterprise, afterwards paying moderate yearly maintenance fees. Discusses the installation of JSTOR at Quinnipiac College. Says the search mechanism is mainly user friendly and powerful and other than a few quibbles, students and faculty alike found it easy to get highly relevant articles in JSTOR. Concludes that in just one semester, JSTOR has become a major part of the full-text effort at Quinnipiac and its acceptance at college and research-oriented libraries should continue. Includes two screen displays and one table.