JSTOR usage data and what it can tell us about ourselves: Is there predictability based on historical use by libraries of similar size?

Purpose - Sets out to explore what effects institutional size and the selections of JSTOR collections have on the overall (total) usage statistics. Design/methodology/approach - This is a preliminary report of JSTOR use made by five academic libraries of similar size and scale; a sixth smaller campus is used to contrast/support findings. A comparison study of the five institutions' usage was conducted using JSTOR data logs, journal title and subject analysis. Findings - The authors discovered that use of JSTOR is impacted by a complex blend of additional JSTOR collections. Research limitations/imp lications - The authors suspect that faculty and their familiarity with the resource, plus information literacy programming, have a greater influence on JSTOR use. This study has identified a need for additional review of bibliographic instruction, integrated information literacy practices and the role of library marketing programs. A study of journal holdings (current and previous) compared with JSTOR usage may prove fruitful for collection management. Originality/value - The authors expanded the knowledge base by investigating JSTOR usage data from six rural state-funded institutions in South Dakota and Texas. This preliminary review identified trends in institutional and regional usage within JSTOR collections. Areas of further research are identified. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.