Binding dilemma: Changing horses mid stream—Or why we stopped binding periodicals at HKBU

A review of print and print + online English serials conducted at Hong Kong Baptist University Library in 2006 revealed low usage of many print journals calling into question the age old practice of binding serials. With binding costs escalating, serials budgets being reduced, and libraries increasingly purchasing electronic titles, it was time to review current binding practices. On conclusion of the review, it was recommended that binding of more than 85% of serials cease and be replaced by the use of boxes and that usage statistics be reviewed annually with a view to effecting further reductions.