Collection Management

One could argue that a library isn't a library without the resources (in whatever form they come) used to provide patrons with the information they desire. Nowadays, more and more of these information resources are digital, and it is common for even smaller libraries to subscribe to at least one online database. But determining the resources a library should choose to provide falls under the ongoing task of collection management.

In public libraries, you'll see a significant portion of the collection dedicated to fiction items--as this is what patrons often want to borrow from their local library--as well as non-fiction items. University library collections (at least from my observation) tip the scale to be heavily in favor of non-fiction in order to support the research community they serve. To my understanding, special libraries seem to be much more specialized and focus on a much more specific range of topics in order to serve whatever group of people rely on their resources. The library in which I work, while it does serve an academic community, is more specialized than the norm in a college or university library because the programs here are so specialized. So in that regard, it would have more in common with a special library.

And now I have to consider some long-term development for the collection. This campus has not had a change in the programs offered here for some time. However, within the next year, there will be some programs added to those we currently offer, which means that the collection will have to reflect these additional programs as well. It's a challenge especially since space is at a prime and I will need to do some serious weeding in order to make room. Not only that, but I will need to consult with the faculty on both items to weed and items to add since I'm no expert in the programs here (which are all mechanics and trade-based). I have learned quite a bit since I started working here, but I know that the instructors know their trades far better than me, and I bow to their many years of experience in their chosen field.

So it is rather well-timed that I have registered for a Collection Management class for this upcoming semester of my program. I have many questions: How do you successfully elicit input on materials from faculty? Should students also be consulted for recommendations and how would you collect such recommendations? How do you determine what percentage of the collection should be given to each subject area? How often should you update your materials? How often should you weed out older materials? How old is too old? How do you budget for your collection and anticipated materials requisitions? It will be incredibly useful to find out how to successfully manage a collection right when I need to utilize those skills in a real-life work experience.

I know that I have some posts to catch up on--and some recipes too! I will do my best to post a new recipe this week.