This method works well for individual titles. However, it has limitations, especially when applied to an entire collection. Another approach is to consider the trends and changes in information dissemination. Librarians should be knowledgeable about congressional debates and GPO plans. These indicators can help librarians determine space needs and growth estimates in the new millennium.
Traditional formulas are flawed.
When applied to the current environment, they lead to unsound consequences. However, there are ways to cut down on the unpredictability of growth issues. Forecasts could be made using two different approaches. The first forecast is based on the rate of paper growth or decline for the past 5 years. That number is then used to calculate what the actual growth would be, continuing at that rate, for the time period.