Please reply to Sam Khosh-khui; not to SERIALST.  Thanks.  --ed.

----------------------------Original message----------------------------
        This memo is cross posted on ATLAS-L, PACS-L, and SERIALST.
        Please excuse duplication.

        Currently at the Alkek Library we are discussing the feasibility
        of having a separate database for our serials holdings and
        providing additional online access for such materials.  Although,
        presently one can search our online catalog and qualify a search
        string to retrieve only the serial titles, having a separate
        database has been mentioned as a way of enhancing online access
        to specifically serials.

        We are a DRA site with DRA Report Writer which allows us to
        create a separate serials list.  However, we are concerned about
        the duplication of efforts in keeping the two lists up-to-date,
        the time spent to maintain the additional database, and the
        usefulness of such a database to users and staff.

        We are interested in any pro and cons surrounding this issue and
        would appreciate hearing from those of you who presently have
        separate online access to your serials holdings as well as those
        of you who have been through this decision-making process and
        chose not to pursue this idea.

        Your comments are very much appreciated.  Thanks in advance for
        taking the time to respond to following survey.  The summary of
        responses will be posted to the above lists.  Needless to say
        that all responses will remain confidential.

    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
    *                                                                 *
    * Sam A. Khosh-khui, Ph. D.         BITNET: SK03@SWTEXAS          *
    * Serials Cataloging Librarian    INTERNET: SK03@ACADEMIA.SWT.EDU *
    * Albert B. Alkek Library            PHONE: 512/245-2288          *
    * Southwest Texas State University     FAX: 512/245-3002          *
    * San Marcos, Texas 78666-4604                                    *
    *                                                                 *
    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

------------------------------------- CUT HERE --------------------------------

                         SERIALS HOLDINGS ACCESS SURVEY

 1.  Do you keep (or would like to keep) a separate database for your serials
     titles/holdings?

____ Yes, we have a separate database.

____ Yes, we are in the process of creating a separate database.

____ No (Go to question number 6).

 2.  If yes, are the changes in the main database automatically reflected in
     the serials database? Please explain.

____ Yes.

____ No.

 3.  How often do you update the serials database?

 4.  Are your users better served with having a separate serials database?
     Please explain.

 5.  Based on your experiences with public response to your current method of
     online serials access, please describe what you would consider to be the
     best ways to organize, standardize, and provide online public access to
     your serials and serials holdings.  Would you do it differently if you had
     to do it all over again?

 6.  If no, what are the main reasons for not pursuing such an idea? Please
     explain.

 7.  Additional Comments.