[Mcls-print-storage] SCS Data Error

[Rick Lugg]

Hello everyone,

 

I regret to announce that we have uncovered a fundamental problem in our
calculation of the MCLS shared print opportunity. In applying the
circulation criteria of "3 or fewer charges" we inadvertently pulled that
data from individual library tables rather than from aggregated circulation
activity. As a result, SCS initially identified 743,347  shared withdrawal
candidates. Once we substitute the correct data, the new result is 265,770
titles. Obviously, this changes the picture significantly. On behalf of all
of us at SCS, I am very sorry for this mistake, and we will do everything
possible to rectify it. What we can't do, of course, is change the reality
of the situation - that there are substantially fewer titles that meet the
current criteria than originally expected. But we will consider and estimate
the effect of other scenarios, and will help MCLS to find its desired
balance between collection security and responsible withdrawal. 

 

One example: if circulation criteria were adjusted to "5 or fewer charges"
(over 11 years and across 7 libraries), with all other criteria remaining
unchanged, 354,386 withdrawal candidates would result. That might be a
middle way forward. SCS has some other thoughts about supplementary
strategies, but none will return us to the previously projected numbers of
withdrawal candidates. Now that our error has been corrected, we can only
honor the data. The opportunity is only as large as the criteria and the
data permit. Once we have a new base number for shared withdrawal
candidates, we can use the same approach to allocating them across the group
as agreed last week. But ultimately everyone's numbers will be lower. 

 

Please note that this does not affect uniquely-held titles. The associated
withdrawal candidate lists sent last week by Andy remain valid and
actionable. That work can begin at any time.

 

Clearly, we need to discuss this before the next regularly-scheduled
conference call. Randy, do you want to set up a Doodle poll to find a time -
or shall I? If wanted, we can provide numbers on allocations to individual
libraries under both the "3 or fewer" and "5 or fewer" aggregate
circulations. We recognize that we need to keep moving steadily, as some
libraries have immediate space needs.

 

Once again, we deeply regret our mistake and the consequent overstatement of
opportunity. If you could have seen our faces when we realized our error...
But we are glad we caught it now and can correct it before producing lists
or removing books. We will continue to work with MCLS to refine and validate
all of the elements of this ground-breaking project. 

 

Thanks, and best regards,

 

Rick

 

Rick Lugg

Sustainable Collection Services LLC

63 Woodwell's Garrison

Contoocook, NH 03229

 

rick at sustainablecollections.com

 

p. 603-746-5991

f.  603-746-6052

 

www.sustainablecollections.com <http://www.sustainablecollections.com/>  

 

blog:  Sample  <http://sampleandhold-r2.blogspot.com/> & Hold

 

twitter:   @ricklugg 

 

 

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