Q. What does it mean when the library uses the term "cost per use?"

Cost per use is calculated by dividing the cost of a particular information resource (journals, databases, etc.) by the amount of uses it has received. While not the only criteria to be used when making collection decisions, libraries across the country are utilizing it to generate preliminary lists for faculty and student comment, making collection costs and decisions more transparent to the campus community. In many cases borrowing an item or acquiring access to particular article is significantly less expensive than an ongoing subscription to a journal.