Collections Update, Coordinated Systemwide Cancellations
In response to ongoing budget cuts across the University of California system, the UC Libraries have engaged in a collaborative and coordinated approach to reduce systemwide collections budget spending by 3.7%. With these systemwide decisions, we now have a finalized list (alternative access link for list) that includes both local and consortial resource cancellations.
With the exception of a couple of resources that were cancelled earlier this year, most resources will no longer be available as of January 1, 2026.
These difficult decisions to cancel selected systemwide resources were made collaboratively by the UC Libraries’ Shared Content Leadership Group (SCLG) and in consultation with the Council of University Librarians (CoUL) and the California Digital Library (CDL). The following principles guided the identification of systemwide resources to cut.
Coordinated action: UC Libraries collaborated to protect the integrity of systemwide subscriptions to digital resources, avoiding uncoordinated withdrawals that could disadvantage individual campuses.
Evidence-based evaluation: Decisions were informed by data, including cost-per-use, disciplinary relevance, and alignment with research and teaching priorities.
Equity across campuses: Reductions were distributed to minimize disproportionate impacts on any single discipline or institution.
Whole-contract approach: Preference was given to cancellations that allowed the entire UC system to withdraw from an agreement, rather than fragmenting participation.
Sustainability and value: Each agreement was assessed for its overall systemwide benefit, ensuring shared licenses deliver meaningful value and cost savings compared to campus-by-campus subscriptions.
Operational feasibility: Renewal timing, contract cycles, and administrative workload for CDL and campus staff were considered to minimize service disruptions to users.
Resource availability will be updated in UC Library Search and our A-Z Library Databases list. We also recommend the following strategies for information access.
- Request materials through Interlibrary Loan (ILL): Use ILL services to obtain materials including articles, book chapters, and books.
- Contact authors directly: Authors may be willing to share their publication upon request.
- Request individual book titles: Submit via our Recommend a Purchase Form. We will determine if we are able to purchase the title.
- Ask us for assistance: Contact your library liaison or email library@ucmerced.edu
In light of unprecedented budget cuts and local funding shortfalls, the UC Libraries will continue to pursue coordinated budget reduction strategies and a time-limited bridge funding over the next two years to preserve the majority of UC’s core, systemwide library content. The UC Libraries continue to co-invest in resources of benefit to the research and teaching mission of the university.
Questions and Feedback
If you have any concerns or questions about these collection cuts or this systemwide approach, please be in contact with Sara Davidson Squibb or Jim Dooley.
Sara Davidson Squibb, Associate University Librarian for Research and Engagement (sdavidson2@ucmerced.edu)
Jim Dooley, Head of Collection Services (jdooley@ucmerced.edu)
