Shared Serials Storage

CARLI has an agreement with the Western Regional Storage Trust (WEST) for a distributed shared print journal storage program.

WEST for CARLI Libraries

Interested CARLI member libraries will be able to opt into WEST participation through CARLI’s Selection System in Spring 2025 for start of service on July 1, 2025. Participation is a 3-year commitment for institutions.

Founded in 2010, WEST is hosted by the California Digital Library at the University of California. Participating libraries consolidate and validate print journal backfiles at major library storage facilities and at selected campus locations. The resulting shared print archives ensure access to the scholarly print record and allow member institutions to optimize campus library space. Currently, WEST Archive Holders agree to retain volumes through December 31, 2035 (25 years from the beginning of WEST).

Archived materials are disclosed in OCLC and in the Center for Research Library’s Print Archive and Preservation Registry (PAPR) to make these commitments public to the wider scholarly community.

Informational Webinar

On January 29, 2025, Alison Wohlers, Manager Shared Print Programs, California Digital Library, a role which includes serving as Program Manager for WEST, and Nika Worth, Shared Print Analyst at California Digital Library, presented this overview webinar of WEST membership for CARLI Members. Here are the slides from this session.

Resources shared in chat during the session:

• PAPR Collection Comparison Tool
• WEST's Deselection Webinar
• WEST Deselection / Gap Filling Resource List
• Weeding Communications in the Collections Lifecycle
• Blog Post: Enhancing Local Discovery of Shared Collections

About West

WEST’s Vision, Mission, and Guiding Principles

WEST FAQs

Access Policy for West Archives

Value of WEST Infographic