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This report proposes a paradigm for technical journal deselection based on the Bradford Law of distribution, with a demonstration in biomedical communications illustrating various statistical derivations. The model employs the following operational prescriptives: (1) identification of fractional productivities in journal collections; (2) probability predictions for making successful retrievals of relevant items in any given productive fraction; (3) utilization by journal source language and origin; and (4) estimates of cost-efficiencies of searches made in print and machine-readable versions of serial publications. The results suggest that in approximately two out of three trials successful searches ('hits') are likely to be made in a `critical' core of any technical subject collection. The highest probability for retention resides in this portion, about 20% of the publications. We infer that substantial amounts of the remaining publications are candidates for deselection since their information content, as needed, may be captured more cost-effectively through electronic retrieval and document delivery access.

5 citations (Crossref) [2023-10-31] Citation Key Alias: ISI:A1993KR97500003, lens.org/020-062-823-091-476 tex.type: [object Object]