The Essential Data Dashboard for Libraries to Navigate and Cancel Big Deal Journal Subscriptions
Introduction
As digital access costs keep rising, academic libraries are struggling to provide enough resources while staying within budget. Big journal publishers often bundle subscriptions into expensive “Big Deals,” making libraries pay high fees for journals that may not even be fully used. That’s where the smart tool UnSub comes in. It helps libraries cut costly journal subscriptions.
UnSub is a tool that helps libraries make smarter, cost-effective choices about which journal subscriptions to keep, potentially saving them millions. If you are a librarian wondering if these Big Deals are worth it, UnSub offers a smart way to cut costs without losing access to important resources.
What is UnSub?
UnSub is a groundbreaking data-driven state-of-the-art tool designed to support libraries in strategically canceling “Big Deal” journal subscriptions.
The tool lets you evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the subscriptions by analyzing metrics like cost per use, percentage of open access content, interlibrary loan (ILL) costs, and more.
The ultimate goal? To make toll-access publishing financially unsustainable while empowering libraries to transition towards a more open, accessible, and equitable academic environment.
How UnSub Works: Key Metrics and Features
The UnSub dashboard is packed with features that allow libraries to make data-driven decisions about subscription renewals. Here’s a breakdown of its key components:
No#1. Cost per Use Analysis
UnSub calculates how much each journal costs relative to its actual usage. By understanding cost per use, libraries can determine if they are paying excessively for low-utilized journals.
No #2. Open Access (OA) Percentage
This metric identifies the proportion of a journal’s content available through Open Access. A higher OA percentage suggests that canceling the subscription may have minimal impact on user access.
No #3. Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Costs
If a subscription is canceled, UnSub estimates the potential ILL costs to cover access gaps. By factoring in ILL costs, libraries can make informed choices without sacrificing access to critical resources.
No #4. Unique Article Availability
It highlights articles that are only available through specific journals. This allows libraries to evaluate whether unique articles justify the subscription cost or if alternative access routes are more cost-effective.
No #5. Alternative Access Options
UnSub offers insights into free or lower-cost alternatives to specific journals, empowering libraries to move towards a financially sustainable model that still meets patron needs.
Benefits of Using UnSub : A Smart Tool to Help Libraries Cut Costly Journal Subscriptions
# Cost Savings
Libraries that use UnSub are saving significant amounts annually. By identifying high-cost, low-value journals, institutions can cancel costly subscriptions and redirect funds to more essential resources or support OA initiatives.
# Data-Driven Decision Making
UnSub removes guesswork by offering comprehensive data visualizations and reports. This enables library decision-makers to present transparent, well-supported reasons for canceling subscriptions, fostering greater stakeholder confidence.
# Promoting Open Access
One of UnSub’s underlying goals is to promote Open Access (OA) by reducing dependence on toll-access publications. By encouraging libraries to cancel costly Big Deals, UnSub disrupts the traditional model. “It makes OA an even more viable alternative.
Real Impact: How UnSub is Changing the Game for Libraries
Universities around the globe are already benefiting from UnSub’s insights. For example, institutions that have used UnSub data have successfully negotiated fairer terms with publishers, canceled underused subscriptions, and embraced OA models without compromising access.
The shift from Big Deals to selective subscriptions reflects a larger trend in academia, where value-driven access and fiscal responsibility are becoming essential for library collections.
Getting Started with UnSub
In order to explore UnSub and start saving on journal subscriptions, visit the official UnSub website.
All you need to do is You set up an account, UnSub offers training materials and support to guide you through the data.
- Sign up – Begin by creating an account on the UnSub website.
- Integrate Data – UnSub works with your library’s data to generate detailed, customized reports.
- Analyze & Decide – Use UnSub’s dashboard to assess which subscriptions to keep and which to cancel.
UnSub in Action: Case Studies
University Case Study: Saving Millions with UnSub- Link
Final Thought
UnSub is more than just a cost-saving tool, it is a catalyst for change in academic publishing. By empowering libraries with data to make informed decisions, UnSub is reshaping the way institutions approach Big Deal subscriptions.
Libraries are not only saving millions but also supporting a transition to a more open, equitable system of scholarly communication. If your library is ready to cut costs and embrace the future, UnSub provides the tools and insights to get there.
Ready to take control of your library’s budget? Get started with UnSub today.
