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Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to attempt to explore the basics of the collection of medieval manuscripts by institutions by outlining some of the basic principles, challenges, and innovations in the realm of medieval manuscript collection. Design/methodology/approach - Medieval manuscripts involve both curation and librarianship in every step of collection management. Few fields of librarianship involve such fragmented history. This paper explores this fragmentation and demonstrates the intricacies and diversity involved in the collection process. Finally, it examines some collaborative options for institutions to effectively collect together. Findings - Institutions can effectively collaborate in medieval manuscript acquisition. Practical implications - Institutions may be able to institute similar programs as those used in the case studies. Originality/value - It is more important than ever to maintain quality collections on smaller budgets. These findings can assist institutions in acquiring high quality pieces without premium funding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to document the acquisition and processing of an important landscape architecture archive, the J.B. Jackson Collection, and making it available for scholars and researchers. Design/methodology/approach – The first part of the article describes the importance of Jackson's contribution to landscape architecture and his professional legacy. This legacy consisted in a large collection of slides, scattered among various individuals and institutions. The authors then address how the various parts of the collection were identified, acquired, digitized and brought to the University of New Mexico (UNM). Metadata creation and issues of copyright are also discussed. Findings – The paper finds that it requires considerable professional effort and networking to take a working collection and transform it into an archive that has intellectual cogency. Research limitations/implications – UNM's effort to acquire, preserve and make this collection widely available will inspire future scholars and spark new ways of looking at landscape. Practical implications – The extensive restoration needed for the Jackson slides warranted a vendor with museum experience, in this instance, Two Cat Digital. Metadata creation requires training qualified personnel. Copyright limitations dictate how the slides display. Originality/value – J.B. Jackson defined the vernacular landscape. This project made his distinctive and important collection available to the research community. The paper also discussed the process of taking a working collection and turning it into a bona fide research tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present a variety of current resources associated with electroacoustic music suitable for updating academic and large public library collections. Design/methodology/approach - The approach taken in the paper is to identify resources meant to provide guidance in locating appropriate resources and to identify specific resources regarding electroacoustic collections that are grouped in several categories for ease of reading. Findings - The complexity of definition of electroacoustic music and its interdisciplinary nature has had a negative impact on availability of collection development guides for electroacoustic music. Furthermore, resource formats associated with this type of music are heavily dependent on technology and change with great frequency which makes them challenging to keep up with. Originality/value - The paper offers practical advice about updating electroacoustic music collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper seeks to replicate a study done in 1992 on the bibliographic availability of 55 popular culture periodicals sold by a Kroger supermarket in Royal Oak, Michigan. The earlier study asked the question whether time might be a relevant variable for the number of holding libraries. Design/methodology/approach - The authors searched WorldCat for the number of reported library holdings for the same 55 popular culture periodicals and analyzed the results. Findings - During both periods, 34 periodicals with holdings had a median increase of 58.4 percent; but, when the 83.5 percent increase in OCLC governing members during the same period was taken into account, holdings had a median decrease of 13.7 percent. For the 19 cases with no library holdings in 1992, eight (42.1 percent) now had library holdings, including several high circulation periodicals such as Marand Soap Opera Weekly. Practical implications - Popular culture materials read by many Americans are still not widely available in libraries or are not entered into WorldCat, the prime source for bibliographic holdings. Originality/value - This paper provides additional statistical evidence on the availability of popular culture materials in libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — The literature on collection development largely discusses all kinds of managerial and practical issues. However, there appear to be gaps in LIS literature regarding tracing the semantic developments of the subject. The paper attempts to explore the relationship between the use of varying collection-related terminologies and ever-emerging forms of scholarly publishing in libraries. Design/methodology/approach — An extensive review of the available literature was made to illustrate the impact of the developments in both production and formats of information sources on libraries' collection related patterns and expressions since the last quarter of the twentieth century. Findings — It was found that the related emerging terminology has been expanding rapidly because of the direct impact of the never-ending developments, though with different pace in different countries. The varying use pattern reflects the expansion in the aims and ways of functioning of a modern library. Originality/value — The paper falls in the category of "literature review" and provides an overview of the connection between developments in theory and practice of collection managing aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to encourage and assist collection of adult-level, graphic novels and book-length comics by women, and to demonstrate the breadth and depth of such work. Design/methodology/approach – This paper provides a brief history of women and independent comics, tracing the medium's development from the 1970s underground comix movement to the present day. Individual creators and their works are discussed. Findings – In the early years of independent comics, many of the women creating them were consciously reacting to an overwhelmingly male-dominated profession. There was a high degree of shock value in these early works. As time went on the comics still tended towards the autobiographical, but storytelling gained importance. Most of the women creating comics today are still doing so from a woman's point of view, but their target audience seems more universal. Originality/value – Graphic novels are in increasing demand, both for scholarly and leisure reading. Guides to collecting graphic novels exist; however, the vast majority of the artists included in these guides are men. This paper fills a gap by introducing librarians to several women graphic novelists who have been overlooked thus far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to provide a snapshot of student and staff attitudes towards e-books, collected through a web-based survey, as well as an analysis of use data for a specific universe of e-books provided via a patron-driven purchasing model and accessed during the survey timeframe. Design/methodology/approach – This research analyzed survey responses collected from May 2010 to December 2010 and use data for the universe of e-books made accessible via PDA, and used by library patrons, during this period. Findings – E-books are no longer a new phenomenon and the CSU Libraries have provided access to e-books for many years, yet users' prior experience with e-books, perspectives on desirable and undesirable e-book characteristics, and preferences for print versus e-books as provided by the libraries continue to vary. During the libraries' initial entry into PDA, e-books made accessible to users via this model received more use through browsing than sustained use or download, but relatively little use overall. The study provides a starting point for the continued analysis of this library's PDA program, now the primary mechanism used to provide its academic user community with book access. Practical implications – The authors present a review of the literature and research findings about academic users' interactions with, and preferences for, e-books. They provide a point-in-time analysis of user interactions with e-book titles made accessible via the libraries' PDA program and a subject-level study of the use of these titles. Originality/value – This paper presents point-of-use feedback regarding e-books, from academic users, and detailed information about e-book titles accessed via a PDA model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper seeks to determine the extent of e-book availability and how existing e-books might meet library needs as defined by monograph circulation. Design/methodology/approach – This study identified highly circulated print titles and searched for e-book versions available from aggregators or publishers. Findings – The results indicate inadequate coverage levels to allow for a discontinuance of print purchasing, but offer clues as to where e-books might have the greatest impact in this library's collection plans. Originality/value – The paper introduces a method whereby libraries may determine where e-book collections best meets user needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to determine the adequacy of the public library system with respect to the total population as well as the viable population of different regions of Tehran city, the capital of Iran, especially pertaining to book collections in accordance with the IFLA/UNESCO Guidelines. Design/methodology/approach – A survey was conducted through a questionnaire distributed to librarians of the public libraries under study. The other resources of data used for this study are annual reports and official records of the libraries at the provincial and national level. Findings – The findings reveal the ratio of book collections with respect to the viable population of different regions of Tehran. Only one of 22 regions has a book collection as per IFLA/UNESCO Guidelines. Originality/value – This paper highlights how public libraries in Tehran are providing access to information resources and whether the book collections of the libraries are adequate as per international standards. It also suggests certain improvements for the existing system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to introduce librarians who are not necessarily music specialists to four books on a subset of American popular song literature ("the American songbook" or "standards"), all of which assume some degree of musical literacy on the reader's part. This assumption sets these books apart from most writing on the subject, and the paper suggest reasons why this is the case. Design/methodology/approach - The books are grouped into pairs. The first two books are by a single author whose previous scholarship may make his interest in the American songbook seem surprising. In the other pair the second book is both a continuation of the first and a response to it. In both pairs the earlier book breaks new ground. Findings - All four books should be regarded as essential parts of a library's music literature collection. The first book discussed is more technical than the others, but its pioneering status makes it a landmark. Originality/value - The author's research indicates that the oldest of the books considered was not discussed in scholarly journals until many years after its publication, while the most recent appears to have received only glancing consideration in peer-reviewed literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — This paper aims to examine the trend of resource development at the University of Calabar Library, using gift items received from 2005 to 2009. Design/methodology/approach — The study adopts a descriptive research design based on survey. Relevant documents, including gift and donation files, acquisition records and library accession registers, were examined and analysed to provide answers to questions relating to study objectives. Findings — The usefulness of gifts to university library resource development is underscored by the quality and currency of the 2,462 volumes of materials received during the study period. Furthermore, the impact that collaborative donor efforts could make towards supporting university library resource development in the information age is highlighted. Associated problems included deficiency in subject coverage, foreign language materials, irregular giving patterns as well as an increasing tendency towards electronic resources acquisition where manual procedures are available. Practical implications — Acquisition librarians should intensify efforts at soliciting for and directing corporate giving endeavours towards providing for infrastructural support required for university library development in Nigeria. The deficiency in subject coverage highlighted in the study can be addressed if donor agencies are encouraged to adopt relevant library profiles or assign grants to core areas of university academic programs. There is also need for the inclusion or revision of gift statements in collection development policies. Originality/value — The paper highlights strategies for tackling the challenges of resource acquisition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — This paper seeks to provide recent case study evidence for the remarkable growth of electronic resources in academic library collections and to analyze growth patterns and impacts. Design/methodology/approach — A case study reviewed electronic resources growth at the University of Saskatchewan Library over a 12-year time series, from 1996-1997 to 2007-2008. The researcher collected data from the library's databases A-Z lists over the time series, compiled statistics and growth rates for both net holdings and new acquisitions, then analyzed and contextualized the results. Findings — The study reveals three electronic resources growth or development stages corresponding to advances in electronic resource types — i.e. bibliographic, full text and reference — and a pattern of sustained rapid growth. It was found that growth doubled within the last four years of the time series, with ±100 resources being added annually in the same period. Both internal and external events impacted on growth. Just as internal and external events contribute to the growth of electronic resources, new events such as economic decline may contribute to growth decline. Research limitations/implications — While the study is limited to a single academic library case, it has applications to similar academic library profiles across North America, where sustained rapid growth has had a significant impact on reference workers and researchers. Practical implications — This research provides a case study for describing electronic resources growth in academic libraries. The data and findings may help support funding increases, and an understanding of the extent of growth and its impact on reference workers and researchers. Originality/value — Although generalizations from one case study cannot be made, this study of electronic resources growth and its implications substantiates the general conviction that overwhelming growth has occurred and that the consequences for library services and systems is considerable. The paper applies the concept of growth or development stages: bibliographic, full text and reference, to describe the evolution of electronic resources in an academic library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to describe how online survey tools can be utilized to gather input and feedback from faculty related to monographic collection decisions to evaluate current and guide future decision making. Design/methodology/approach - The use of an online survey tool for a particular collection development project is described and results of the survey are analyzed. Findings - It is found that online survey tools are an easy and valuable tool for gathering direct feedback from faculty and provide opportunities to engage faculty in conversations about a wide range of scholarly communications issues. Research limitations/implications - Online survey tools provide one means of evaluating collection development decisions that should be utilized in conjunction with other methodologies, e.g. circulation studies. Online survey tools can be utilized to allow faculty to recommend items for immediate purchase but could also be used to study faculty reactions to purchases that have already been made. Originality/value - The process and procedure outlined could be used by collection development librarians to evaluate current and historic collection development decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to identify the types of information useful for the business domain and resources for specific information types. Also, it aims to discuss a methodological approach for identifying core resources in a particular discipline. Design/methodology/approach - Content analysis of business materials identifies a set of business tasks and questions. Based on the results of content analysis, a survey simulating real reference situations is conducted with academic business reference librarians. Findings - The paper identifies the types of information most useful both for business as a whole and for the sub-fields (entrepreneurship, finance, management, and marketing). The resources suggested by participants are summarized for each type of information. Practical implications - The findings are helpful for academic business librarians for collection development as well as for database selection for a specific query. Originality/value - The suggested methodology for identifying core resources in a particular discipline has general applicability across other disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — This paper aims to examine the use of the WorldCat Collection Analysis tool and other measurements to analyze the strengths of collections supporting doctoral programs in a Carnegie Class 1 research university in order to enhance budgetary support for these collections. Design/methodology/approach — In 2006 the Colorado State University (CSU) Libraries were asked to assess the library's support of doctoral programs in 12 key discipline areas. Peer institutions were selected and permission was obtained to access relevant statistics from their collection at the Libraries using the Collection Analysis tool, and relevant metrics for analyzing journal holdings. Use of the metrics for analysis of monograph and journal holdings and comparison of holdings between institutions is examined. Findings — This case study analyzes how results obtained through use of the Collection Analysis tool and measurements of journal holdings were integrated with results from the broader analysis to achieve a valid comparison between strengths of collections. The authors then look at how this analysis was translated into requests for additional funding for access to materials that would support doctoral level research. Originality/value — This paper shows how currently available tools for collection management can be used to educate a university community about the budgetary requirements of building graduate research level collections and to make a case for increased funding to support these collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explain the procedures taken by public library staff in response to extensive damage to a research collection due to a large natural disaster. Design/methodology/approach - Based on the methodology used by one research collection in response to a large-scale disaster, recommendations are presented in the paper for future disaster planning and creating an individualized disaster response. Findings - The study finds that each institution develops different procedures in the wake of disasters, and creating a unique disaster plan and response is key to the successful recovery of collections. Research limitations/implications - The methods used in response to Hurricane Katrina may not necessarily correspond to other types of disasters or all institutions; however, planning for all types of disasters is encouraged. A selected bibliography is included that provides current resources on the subject. Practical implications Methods utilized in the Biloxi Public Library's response to Hurricane Katrina and lessons learned may be applicable to other institutions and the future of disaster response and collection recovery. Originality/value - While recounting the impact of Hurricane Katrina on one collection, there are recommendations for the future of disaster planning at the institutional level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to assess the efficacy of the brief test method and OCLC's WorldCat Collection Analysis (WCA) in analyzing strengths and weaknesses of collections in three academic libraries. Design/methodology/approach - Monographic collections in zoology were assessed in the study, using both the brief test method and WCA at three institutions. Findings - The paper finds that both the brief test and WCA provide valuable insight into collection strengths and weaknesses. Research limitations/implications - This is an analysis of only one subject area and one format. Further studies might focus on other disciplines and might take into account a variety of formats. Practical implications - The study suggests ways in which collection managers might gain a better knowledge of their collection for such purposes as cooperative collection development and preservation. Originality/value - Since WCA is a newly available tool, there are few studies using this methodology. This adds to the limited literature on the brief test methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — To explore the relationship between the importance of African studies programs and the acquisition of African imprint titles in four selected American academic libraries. Design/methodology/approach — The paper examines the characteristics of the African studies programs in four universities in comparison with library holdings including the percentage of holdings from four major English-language African publishers. Finding — The four research libraries acquire substantial numbers of African monographs in keeping with the importance of their African studies programs. Originality/value — The paper provides information on four major African studies programs and the library holdings that support them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this article is to inform the reader about the collection development principles, the use of technology, the history, and usefulness of ACLS Humanities F-book. Design/methodology/approach - The approach adopted is a brief history, overview, and review of ACLS Humanities F-book. Findings - ACLS Humanities F-book combines a carefully selected collection of academic monographs related to the humanities with a straightforward user-interface. Originality/value - The paper offers information about the collection, most important, its collection development model and the considerable value and utility of ACLS Humanities E-book for researchers and libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to explore how the publishing world is responding to library collection development challenges posed by the growth of interdisciplinary studies programs. Design/methodology/approach – The first step in this study was a survey of the websites of selected ARL and all Oberlin Group university and college websites to determine those institutions that have a clearly identified Interdisciplinary program or majors. The authors then investigated the status of interdisciplinary collection development practices at these institutions. Finally the websites of reviewers, publishers, and vendors were surveyed to explore what tools are available to help librarians identify new interdisciplinary monographs. Findings – Rather than supplying formal interdisciplinary collection development support, most librarians rely on external resources to help identify interdisciplinary materials. As technology evolves publisher/vendor websites can provide librarians with the tools needed to conduct in-depth searches of their catalogs, thus aiding in the identification of interdisciplinary monographs for purchase. Originality/value – Building on previous scholarship about the growth of interdisciplinary studies and libraries, this paper extends the research by examining the tools available to help librarians bridge the gap created by new disciplinary formations and offers suggestions for publishers to enhance interdisciplinary selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to document and compare the extent of book collections on the topic of the Taliban in selected academic libraries in New York and New Jersey, the New York Public Library and the military academy at West Point. Design/methodology/approach – Books on the Taliban were chosen as an index of the Afghanistan war since the Taliban are its major defining element. WorldCat was searched (www.worldcat.org) using the following criteria: "kw: taliban" > "English" > "Non-Fiction" > "Non-Juvenile". In total 1,668 titles were found. Duplicates were eliminated, as were theses, government publications, ephemera and other items. Closely related titles were amalgamated. Only works that had "Taliban" in the title or subtitle were chosen from the cumulative groups above, resulting in a total of 83 titles. Findings – Only two libraries crossed 50 percent of the "core" collection of 83 titles. A total of 27 percent of the 83 titles (n=22) were not held by any library, and only seven books were in all libraries. New York Public Library topped the modest rankings and scored above the academic libraries and West Point. West Point ranked last by a big margin (29 points). New York Public Library scored better than all the academic libraries with 49 percent of the 83 titles, followed closely by Columbia University with 46 percent. There was an eight-point drop to 38 percent for New York University, which modestly outpointed the 35 percent for Princeton. Research limitations/implications – A possible research limitation is that the degree of library holdings may not reflect the low level of engagement by the public, academia and military in the ongoing wars. Social implications – The research may indicate a low priority by collection development librarians in public libraries and in the libraries of academic and military colleges to develop a comprehensive collection of material on the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. The paper argues that more extensive collections should be built despite the media and the general population's antipathy to the war. A comprehensive collection for students, scholars, the public and the next generation of officers about a contemporary war which has profound financial, political and military sequelae should be a priority for collection-building librarians. Originality/value – The low holdings of books on the Taliban, and hence the war in Afghanistan, in public and academic libraries and the library of West Point may reflect the low level of interest of the US population in the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq (and Libya). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper aims to provide an alternative method of building quality collections for Jewish Studies collection development professionals in small and medium-sized academic libraries with highly restricted budgets. Design/methodology/approach - Sources of Jewish Studies literary awards were identified and a detailed analysis of awarded books' subjects and the publishing sources was conducted. Findings - The results show that awarded books cover a vast variety of subjects of interest to Jewish Studies collections. Since many of them are also published by academic presses, the use of identified Jewish Studies book award sources should be considered by bibliographers responsible for building Jewish Studies collections in non-sectarian college libraries with very limited budgetary resources. Practical implications - The "one stop" access to all award sources and awarded books provides an easy access to otherwise dispersed information. Originality/value - The comprehensive list of awards, nominated and winning titles, as well as the subject analysis presented herein, is the first of its kind. This can be used by Jewish Studies bibliographers to build and improve their collections and can also serve as a model for building other interdisciplinary subject collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to introduce librarians, faculty, and other interested individuals to contemporary German literature in English translation. Design/methodology/approach - German-language authors born in 1950 or later and listed on the Contemporary Living Authors Comprehensive List developed by the German vendor Otto Harrassowitz are searched in OCLC's WorldCat database to determine the existence of English translations. A bio-bibliographical list is then developed featuring all contemporary German-language authors who have achieved an English language translation of at least one of their literary works. Findings - Of the approximately 1,400 writers on Harrassowitz's comprehensive list, a surprisingly large number of almost 80 authors of the younger generation (born in 1950 or later) have been translated into English. Originality/value - This bio-bibliography of contemporary German belles letters (of the younger generation) in English translation is the first of its kind. It can be used by librarians to check their current library holdings and to expand their collections of German literature in English translation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — The purpose of this article is to provide tips for electronic collection development for libraries with a meager budget. Design/methodology/approach — The information provided in this article is based on research on electronic collection development practices and the author's experience with electronic resources at small and large university libraries. Findings — There are many useful electronic resources available for free because of the open access movement. Old ideas such as consortia and negotiating still help to keep costs at a manageable level for libraries. Practical implications — Libraries will be able to maintain or reduce the costs they are spending on electronic resources, but still retain sources that fulfill their collection needs. Originality/value — This paper combines new and old ideas and resources for electronic collection development into a short and easy-to-follow source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — The purpose of this paper is to take stock of the current state of information resources and approaches used to meet collection development needs at the University of Zambia Medical Library. Design/methodology/approach — A case study methodological approach accompanied by a review of the literature, annual reports and official documents was used Findings — The findings indicate that the UNZA Medical Library has not had adequate funding since the early 1980s and its collection cannot meet the information needs of its users without the support of other organizations. Practical implications — Dwindling financial resources are a scenario that is common to libraries all over the world but more pronounced in Sub-Saharan Africa, where libraries have seen major reductions in their funding levels over time. The library has devised alternative strategies, other than funding from the parent institution, for meeting its collection development requirements. Originality/value — Lessons learned over time and best practices that can be of use to other libraries that are facing funding problems are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — This article seeks to suggest that pedagogical forums published in two major professional associations' publications can contribute to the literature on collection for academic historians. Design/methodology/approach — The author surveys the literature on historians' information needs and surveys articles published in the pedagogical forums for what they reveal about historians' use of electronic resources. Findings — The forums provide useful bibliographic information regarding e-resources for faculty and collection officers alike; additionally, they provide a useful starting point for discussions of desired learning outcomes, leading to better support for teaching/curricular needs. Research limitations/implications — Findings are limited to academic historians and are also skewed toward US historians, since more articles on e-resources appeared in the forum dedicated to US-historical pedagogy than in the forum encompassing historians of all areas. Practical implications — Similar research could be done on pedagogical forums in other academic fields. Originality/value — This paper examines a field's pedagogical methodology to draw conclusions about collections management for that field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this article is to discuss a project to enhance Texas A&M University at Qatar Library's (TAMUQL's) engineering curriculum, graduate, and research programs with newly acquired monographs and maps. Design/methodology/approach - The project was carried out with the partnership and cooperation of TAMUQL, YBP Library Services and TAMUL. Findings - The project succeeded in meeting the objectives of the project, which included supporting the needs of freshmen to senior levels of the liberal arts curriculum as well as those of the faculty. Originality/value - This paper adds to the growing documentation of the value of working partnerships between libraries and vendors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this article is to describe the process of determining a fund allocation process that would further collection development goals by reflecting the university curriculum and support towards different programs. Design/methodology/approach -- The paper is based on a library's experience in using a Percentage Based Allocation formula. Findings -- The author describes the process and steps that led to the decision to use a Percentage Based Allocation formula, and the results of its implementation. Practical implications -- An allocation process that is tied into other collection development activities (a collection development policy; vendor slip plan profiles) strengthens the collecting goals of a library as a whole. Originality/value -- This article provides a model that other libraries can use as a template for developing their own budget allocation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present information on how to organize and carry out a weeding project in an academic library. Design/methodology/approach - Describes how the weeding project was organized and its various phases. Findings - Argues that weeding is appropriate in small, academic non-research libraries and discusses a methodology for approaching it. Originality/value - Provides the academic librarian with a road map as to how to handle a weeding project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - Provides a comprehensive review of the significance attributed to the usefulness, practicality and appropriateness of graphic novels in the school library media center with specific implications for collection development. Design/methodology/approach - A careful review of recent literature provides the school media specialist with an overview of graphic novels including definitions, challenges, benefits, helpful resources, curricular connections and collection development issues. The sources reflect the recent trends in the increasing popularity of graphic novels and their use and benefit in school media centers. Findings - Presents information on the definitions of graphic novels and the challenges and benefits specific to the school media center. Notes that while challenges exist, the benefits of including graphic novels in the school library media center are many, including engaging reluctant readers, Offers practical information for collection development and provides useful sources that serve many purposes. Practical implications - Offers background information for the school library media specialist about graphic novels. Includes advice and practical strategies for building a graphic novel collection in the school media center. Originality/value - This paper reflects recent trends toward increased interest in graphic novels and offers the school media specialist practical advice on how to best meet that growing interest by including graphic novels in the school media center. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — By reflecting the historical transition of the University of Southern California (USC) social work departmental library, the article aims to share challenges and solutions of the library collection and services in the electronic environment and to facilitate a discussion about the future of library services. Design/methodology/approach — The author conducted a literature review about departmental libraries, and a historical review of the USC social work library collection and services. Direct observation, surveys, reference statistics and the web visiting data were employed in the research analysis. A new vision and service model were created. Findings — The USC social work students rely on both the print and electronic resources for their research and study. The decentralized social work library collection and the students' inadequate information literacy skills are the major challenges for the librarian. Information literacy instruction, web-based collection management and library outreach are beneficial for the access service at the new information center. Research limitations/implications — Some findings may not be compatible with other user groups in academic libraries. The established service model is applicable in other departmental libraries and information centers. Practical implications — The solutions employed by the USC social work librarian are applicable in other departmental academic libraries. Originality/value — This paper combines research and library service practice at the information center. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - To identify the necessary components in the formulation of collection development policies. Design/methodology/approach - The paper is based on both research about collection development policies and data compiled as a result of a survey of 16 centers of higher and technical education in Cuba. Findings - Although the directors of university libraries and managers of collection development were aware of the process of collection development, few have collection development policies, and few have carried out user studies. Originality/value - A model for a collection development policy for the system of university libraries is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This article aims to describe how circulation statistics may be used to evaluate collection development policies. Design/methodology/approach - The circulation statistics of books acquired by a science library in a specific year are analyzed by publisher, publication date, and subject. Findings - The paper finds that older books circulated more than recently published titles purchased at the same time. Circulation averages varied considerably between publishers. Research limitations/implications - Checkouts are an imprecise measure of value. Number of items not purchase costs is the denominator of all averages used; there is a data bias against inexpensive books. Originality/value - The procedure outlined can be used generally to evaluate collection development policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This article proposes describing the restructuring of collection development at the University of California Riverside University Libraries. Design/methodology/approach - This paper is based on the library's experience in changing to fund accounting. Findings - The author describes the new system that has created more accountability for the materials budget. Practical implications - As a result of the new system, faculty members are more aware of the budgeted amount for monographic purchases in their own area and whom they can contact with concerns or purchasing requests. Originality/value - This article provides a model for restructuring collection development that other libraries can adapt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to report on the highlights of the 2006 Charleston Conference. Design/methodology/approach - Documentation of the presentations given at the conference. Findings - The Charleston Conference report discusses new directions in many areas of collection development, including trends in e-books, new developments in e-resources, preservation of e-resources, and scholarly communication. Practical implications - The report discusses new ideas and new directions in many areas of collection development that alert librarians to changes on the horizon. Originality/value - This report is of interest to library and information management professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — This article aims to illustrate a technique to map, evaluate and describe subject-based collections. The method was designed in collaboration among Finnish university libraries. The case study seeks to describe the application of this method in a multidisciplinary university library. Design/methodology/approach — This case study presents the collection mapping method and its application in Tampere University Library, and shows how to gather data on subject-based collections and their usage. Findings — The case study shows that the method can provide useful information on a library's subject-based collections. Using this information the library can describe and develop its collections and also present the results on the subject-based collections to the faculties concerned. Originality/value — The article describes Tampere University Library's application of the method which makes it possible to map, evaluate and describe the library's collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This article aims to discuss the relevance of building video game collections in academia to support research and learning on campus and to propose useful criteria for building video game collections in academic libraries. Design/methodology/approach - The authors examined collection development policies of selected academic libraries as well as research discussing the cultural, historical, and educational value of video games. The authors also examined video game playback devices, games and their packaging, and popular game web sites. Findings - The authors outline selection considerations for developing video game collections and propose the following criteria for selecting games: physical characteristics, teaching and learning principles present in the games, subject matter and content, and the cultural and historical value of a game. Originality/value - Establishing video games in libraries is not a new topic, but most discussions have been focused on public libraries or the entertainment value of video games in academic libraries. This article focuses on games as serious objects of study in academia and provides best practices for video games collections development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The intent of this article is to illustrate outcomes and results of a collection analysis done by a smaller academic library. Design/methodology/approach - The collection was evaluated using an online analysis tool combined with a physical inventory of the collection. Findings - Peer group comparisons revealed some of the problems with this particular collection were also widespread among the comparison libraries. The value of the e-book collection to patrons was clear: not only did e-books provide resources to remote students; they help compensate for shortfalls in the print collection. Practical implications - The catalog more accurately reflects what is on the shelf and also what is reported to OCLC. Access to the collection has been improved and enhanced. Steps were taken to refocus the library's collection development procedures and management. The changes made have led to increased faculty involvement in selection and a more balanced, more comprehensive collection management plan. Originality/value - For any library considering whether they can or should do an analysis, the article illustrates that the benefits are well worth the time and expense. The analysis had a positive impact on collection development and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this article is to describe the quantitative evaluation of an engineering monograph approval plan using circulation analysis. Design/methodology/approach - The circulation frequency of titles purchased under the approval plan was analyzed, and compared with the circulation frequency of all engineering books during the same time period, purchased both individually and through the plan. Findings - It was found that 23 percent of the approval plan books circulated, compared with 6 percent of engineering books as a whole. There was considerable variation in circulation frequency between engineering disciplines, but approval plan books circulated much more frequently in all subject areas. Research limitations/implications - This study assesses circulation only during the most recent complete year, which means that the approval plan books are all new books. However, more than half of the books in the engineering collection are less than ten years old. so age is unlikely to be the only reason for the much higher circulation of approval books. Practical implications - Since this evaluation concludes that the approval plan does have value for Rowan University's users, such a plan might be worth considering by other academic libraries looking for a better way to obtain new engineering monographs which serve user needs. Originality/value - While the circulation data described in this study reflect the unique needs of the Rowan University user community, they can serve as a useful benchmark for engineering librarians who want to assess the usage of their monograph collections. The study also has value for academic librarians who are evaluating an approval plan from YBP or another vendor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The intent of this article is to show the direct outcomes of an inventory project, which served as the catalyst for collection development improvements. Design/methodology/approach - An inventory project was undertaken with a major emphasis on the outcomes derived from the inventory. Findings - Several types of problems were discovered, such as missing items, incorrect information (call numbers, collection codes, item types, etc…), damaged materials, and weaknesses in the collection, which resulted in major improvements and changes in the development of the collection. Originality/value - The results of the inventory project improved the accessibility of the collection to patrons by correcting many inconsistencies involving the shelving of materials, online records, call numbers, collection codes, item types, and bar codes. The location of missing items as well as identified areas of strengths and weaknesses assisted with collection development activities, The results of the project also provided an opportunity to hire a consulting firm to further assess the collection, which led to additional funds for supporting the collection. The single major benefit of the inventory process was that it provided the catalyst for instigating major changes in the curriculum collection development of the Teaching Resources Center. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]