Have ‘the numbers’ ever said one thing, but your subject librarians affirmed something quite different? While most studies that examine the assessment of journal ‘big deal’ packages often report on the process and the quantitative metrics used to identify journals for cancellation, little is known about the ‘other stuff.’ A study recently conducted by Catherine Johnson (FIMS, Western University) and Samuel Cassady (Western Libraries) explores the subjective and cognitive factors – the fears, anxieties and varying levels of confidence and comfort with risk – at play during cancellations. This presentation described and expands on that study, providing attendees with valuable insights on how they can help maintain open communication channels, respect, understanding and engagement at their institutions during times of stress and budgetary strain. Attendees will be asked to complete a brief questionnaire at the beginning of the session with the results shown live. The questionnaire and interview technique will also be shared during the session to help facilitate replication.
