Changing Values in the Published Literature with Time

THISARTICLE EXAMINES THE multidimensionality of print materials in order to discuss utility versus value of print materials as they age. Studies of changing uses of print materials over time have shown a bias on the part of researchers in favor of the hypothesis of obsolescence, although studies have failed to conclusively support that hypothesis. Based on issues raised in previously conducted obsolescence studies, this article presents a schema of parameters (superordinate classes of contextual variables) that affect all studies of changing uses of print materials over time. Recent studies have concentrated on the age-date relationship rather than on other parameters (especially the “use” and “users” parameters) or they have relegated concern about these parameters to other researchers. This article argues that only by incorporating what can be learned about all the parameters of the seamless web of co-occurring events surrounding the changing uses of print materials will researchers and librarians be able to make use of the quantitative data on the declining numbers of uses of print materials.