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Purpose – The purpose of this article is to encourage public librarians to reconsider the future value of their paper book collections. Design/methodology/approach – The author interacts with developing trends to make an argument for supporting paper book collections in the digital age. Findings – The liquidation of Borders Group Inc. provides the public library with an opportunity to market its paper collections to publishers and paper book buyers. Originality/value – The article offers a contrarian perspective on the enduring value physical book collections will play in the digital age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Chinese gazetteers are one of the most important primary sources for the study of history of Chinese economy, politics, culture, military, and science and technology. Since the very beginning, the Yale East Asia Library has been keen on collecting Chinese gazetteers. However, unlike its peer research libraries in the USA, the Yale East Asia Library had never compiled a catalog or written an article about its gazetteer collection. The purpose of this paper is to systematically review, for the first time, original editions of Chinese gazetteers held in the Yale East Asia Library to reveal the holdings and research value. Design/methodology/approach – The author conducted a survey of original editions of Chinese gazetteers in the Yale East Asia Library by searching the Yale online library catalog and comparing with existing catalogs of Chinese local gazetteers compiled by other research libraries in the USA. The paper focuses on the edition, coverage, rarity and variety of Yale's holdings. Findings – According to the author's findings and preliminary research, Yale holds approximately 337 original Chinese gazetteers. The majority of them is rarely found in other North American research libraries and thus has high research value. They cover almost all provinces and municipalities in China and have a great variety of types. Research limitations/implications – Although the author tried to use various search strategies to look up in the Yale online library catalog to ensure high retrieval, the results here may not be accurate. Also it is likely that a number of Chinese gazetteers are not recorded in the Yale online library catalog because of backlogs. A physical survey of Chinese gazetteer holdings at Yale and more research need to be done in the future. Originality/value – This paper is the first of its kind to provide a systematic review of original editions of Chinese gazetteers held in the Yale East Asia Library. [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 – The purpose of this paper is to present a case study about how academic librarians can contribute to the interdisciplinary research endeavors of professors and students, especially doctoral candidates, through an intellectualized approach to collection development. Design/methodology/approach – In the wake of protest movements such as the Tea Party and Occupy Wall Street, colleges and universities have begun to develop courses about these events, and it is anticipated that there will be much research conducted about their respective histories. Academic librarians can participate in those research efforts by developing interdisciplinary collections about protest movements and by referring researchers to those collections. Findings – Through a case-study approach, this paper provides a narrative bibliography about Southern Agrarianism that can help professors and students interested in the Tea Party or Occupy Wall Street movements to see their research endeavors from a new interdisciplinary perspective. Originality/value – The value of this paper lies in presenting a concrete example of the way in which academic librarians can become active research partners through the work of building collections and recommending sources in areas that professors and students may not have previously considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how, in many cases, the conversion of analog collections to digital collections is still a paradigm shift with regard to the ownership, use and enjoyment of the collections. Design/methodology/approach – The paper discusses how the inclusion of digital collections has led to a new licensing model that has changed the financial management and administration of budgets for the purchase of collections, starting with the acquisition of scientific journals for specialized centers and extending to all types of resource materials. Findings – In the traditional library collection management model, the documents deemed to be most suitable for the libraries were chosen title by title, and the amounts paid were based on the volume of titles chosen. In the analog model, this resulted in a large investment in similar collections in libraries located in close proximity to one another. In research centers and related universities, attempts were made to make coordinated purchases. However, in most cases purchases were made individually, meaning that costs, and specifically direct costs relating to usage, were very high for a usage of journals in the collection which in many cases was very sporadic. The introduction of purchasing consortia in the electronic environment has led to an increase in the collections of all entities, as well as the rationalization of spending on collections, which is more closely related to the needs of the entities' users. However, the use of such consortia should be more extended and rather than being limited to large libraries or institutions, they should be made available to medium-sized groups of entities which can benefit from these instruments. Originality/value – If the possibility of accessing resources were to be increased through these consortia, the author suggests that it would be of great interest to include diverse materials such as films and music, etc. that may be of interest to other type of institutions, such as those serving the general public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Poets House, a poetry special collection in New York, hosts an annual exhibit of the preceding year's poetry publications in the USA. This paper aims to offer a selection of recommended titles that reflect the range of poetry titles including single-author works, anthologies, and prose about poetry. Design/methodology/approach – The paper researched and requested donations of 2010-2011 poetry titles from US poetry publishers to assemble and display a comprehensive collection of poetry publications, from which a selection of 50 titles was made. The selections should appeal to a range of poetry readers, from novices and students to poets looking to access the latest work from their peers. Findings – Over 2,500 poetry titles were published and/or available to readers in the USA between June 2010 and June 2011. These titles range from mainstream publishers to independent presses to artists' collectives publishing works from established poets as well as emerging and international poets. Research limitations/implications – Without a budget for collection development, the exhibit and resulting titles represent those which publishers have opted to donate to the library. Every effort is made to be all-inclusive, with the understanding that publishers may send only a selection of their list. The selected titles herein are based on the titles received for the exhibition. Practical implications – For 19 years Poets House's annual Showcase has been the main collection-development tool. Publishers donate copies of their titles, which are arranged by publisher for a month-long exhibition. This approach enriches the poetry special collection, a unique poetry library built on community participation. The all-inclusive collection-development approach results in a full representation of poetry publishing. Originality/value – A selection made from a comprehensive collection of the year's poetry titles offers a sample of poetry publishing from large to small presses and the self-published in the USA. [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 – This paper sets out to explore the potential benefits of using digital photography in the evaluation of prospective donations of book collections. Design/methodology/approach – The paper describes a methodology for creating a collection of images to preserve bibliographic information from large book donations where time and distance restrictions limit the ability to carry out a thorough investigation on-site. This image collection will assist in the initial assessment of the collection's suitability for acceptance, documentation and creation of a gift list. Findings – Using digital photography allows for relatively quick and comprehensive documentation to aid in the evaluation of large potential gift-in-kind donations. Additional benefits realized from acquiring digital images may include automation of gift list creation, publicity for the newly acquired collection, and enhancing exhibitions. This methodology utilizes readily available and affordable equipment that will likely be well within the resources of most libraries. Originality/value – This paper offers practical advice on employing current and emerging digital technologies to assess and enhance gift-in-kind donations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — This paper sets out to investigate the meaning, role and implications of contextual information associated with digital collections. Design/methodology/approach — This paper is based on an extensive review and analysis of both the scholarly literature from many disciplines about the concept of context and the professional literature (including standards) related to the description of information artifacts. The paper provides an analysis of context, distinguishing three main ways in which that term has been used within the scholarly literature. It then discusses contextual information within digital collections, and presents a framework for contextual information. It goes on to discuss existing standards and guidance documents for encoding information related to the nine classes of contextual entities, concluding with a discussion of potential implications for descriptive practices through the lifecycle of digital objects. Findings — The paper presents a framework for contextual information that is based on nine classes of contextual entities: object, agent, occurrence, purpose, time, place, form of expression, concept/abstraction, and relationship. Research limitations/implications — Research and development about and in support of digital collections will benefit from a clear articulation of the types, roles, importance and elements of contextual information. Practical implications — Future users of digital objects will probably have numerous tools for discovering preserved digital objects relevant to their interests, but making meaningful use and sense of the digital objects will also require capture, collection and management of contextual information. Originality/value — This paper synthesizes and extends a previously diffuse literature, in order to clarify and articulate core concepts in the management of digital collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper aims to summarize the importance of rare materials for academic libraries, including developments since the arrival of the internet and the effects of declining library budgets. Design/methodology/approach - The authors reviewed the literature on the subject coupled with their experiences with collection development. Findings - Collecting rare materials remains important for scholarly research, though harder to justify during a period of budget stringency. Academic libraries should discover creative ways to discover and add rare materials to their collections. Rare materials require special expertise in their acquisition, processing, storage, and use. Digitization is making rare materials more accessible but cannot substitute for the use of the originals in all cases. Practical implications - The authors provide a summary of recent thought on the status of rare materials in academic libraries - for libraries that include such collections or for those interested in increasing their holdings of rare materials. Originality/value - The paper provides a summary of recent trends in collecting rare materials in academic libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper aims to examine the methods of diversity-related collection assessment useful for large academic libraries. Design/methodology/approach - Several examples of diversity-related collection assessment (circulation and use statistics, WorldCat Collection Analysis, comparison to standard bibliographies, focus groups, patron interviews and surveys, stewardship letters, and a diversity collection development statement) are explored. Findings - Libraries wishing to assess a collection for diversity should have a clear definition of diversity in place before assessment. Many collection assessment methods useful for determining the diversity of a collection are not applicable for large libraries. Additional tools may need to be developed to facilitate this type of assessment in the future, especially at large libraries. Originality/value - The paper encourages librarians at larger academic libraries to rethink how the collections are assessed for diversity needs, and illustrates methods useful in performing this assessment in larger institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to describe the collaborative collection development initiative undertaken by the Indonesia Social Equity Project. Design/methodology/approach - The paper presents a brief history and descriptive analysis of an international collection development project. Findings - The paper examines practical issues that arose while building the library collection as a librarian/faculty collaboration, with the added element of having been conducted within a multicultural context. Originality/value - Similar case studies describing international collection development projects are rare in the literature. The article is of interest to librarians researching issues related to cross-cultural collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to describe Qatar's Education City's six university libraries, their international patrons, collections, and services. Design/methodology/approach - The paper provides analysis of the data provided by various parties related to patrons, collections and services of the six university libraries in Qatar's Education during the calendar year of 2009. Findings - Education City's six branch libraries successfully support the needs of their patrons' curriculum and research needs especially in the e-resources. Originality/value - This research provides in-depth information for the Qatar Foundation, university and library administrators of main and branch campuses related to future e-licensing, collections acquisitions, and staffing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the current state of digitization and digital collection development in public libraries in Croatia. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on an online survey of public libraries in Croatia on digital collection development and digitization. In total, 165 public libraries were invited to participate in the survey, and Web survey was chosen as the most appropriate tool for surveying geographically dispersed libraries. Findings – The findings indicate that public libraries in Croatia have taken steps towards enlargement of digital content in their holdings by digitizing their existing library collections. Although the number of digital collections in public libraries in Croatia is still rather small, it is expected that it will increase in the near future. It is also encouraging that public libraries started digitization projects on their own, thus gaining the necessary experience and skills that would help them and other libraries in future digitization projects. Still, they need additional education about digital collection development and process of library material digitization. Originality/value – The paper article contributes to the growing body of knowledge about digital collections development and digitization in public libraries, as well as about benefits digital collections can provide for libraries in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 paper is to discuss the issues raised in the report, Hate on the State, published in 2007. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is a reflective viewpoint that debates the points made in the report and their wider implications for the profession. Findings – The report raised key issues around censorship, and the role of the librarian in selecting a balanced collection for their public. These concerns need to be debated at length, since they represent fundamental professional concerns. Practical implications – The paper debates key professional concerns and how changes in stock procurement may lead to future occurrences of such controversies. Originality/value – This is the only editorial to date related to this report in library literature. [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 - 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]

Strategic business partnerships inform business faculty-librarian (BFL) collaboration. This paper seeks to address how the motivations for business partnerships and faculty-librarian collaborations are similar. A conceptual model suggests that the depth of the BFL relationship significantly enhances electronic collection development outcomes. Literature concerning strategic business alliances, faculty-librarian collaborations, and collection development was examined to determine whether principles that ate applied to strategic business alliances can also be applied to BFL collaborations. A case-in-point is included for illustration. Specific principles of strategic business partnerships can be applied to BFL collaborations aimed at improving electronic collection development. In addition, driving forces such as assessment, communication, and technology influence the nature of alliances across the business and academic arenas. The findings are significant because they demonstrate how BFL collaborations can be made more effective through the application of business principles. BFL collaborations can positively influence electronic collection development in a variety of ways. The paper offers a new and unique conceptual model that improves understanding of the nature and depth of BFL collaborations in the context of electronic collection development. This paper will be of interest to business faculty in particular and faculty in general, and librarians working in diverse library settings, especially librarians aligned with management and business departments. Librarians in management positions will likely find this information useful as a means to increase faculty-librarian collaboration across all disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper discusses the topic of Collection Development in a digital environment. Developing digital collections is a logical consequence of inserting information technologies in organizations. The usual route towards other models of libraries has allowed the development of the digital collections as a source of Digital Libraries. Design/methodology/approach - This paper is based on the development of a user-oriented concept of digital collections. Findings - The current information society requires Collection Development to guarantee suitable resources in information organizations. Originality/value - The authors provide a new way of looking at the development of digital collections. In this paper the authors propose a cycle to create a digital collection starting from the established precepts for traditional Collection Development. The creation process is supplemented with an analysis of the term Collection Development starting from the user's focus. [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 - This paper aims to discusses the importance of Native American literature in library collections. Design/methodology/approach - This paper is based on research of recent articles. Findings - The paper identifies many good titles on Native Americans that deserve to be in libraries so that the history and culture of Native Americans will be available to all users. Practical implications - Libraries should identify good quality books on Native Americans and by Native Americans to add to their collections. Many are now available so that it is not difficult to find appropriate ones that reflect contemporary views of Native Americans. Originality/value - This paper pulls together a good deal of recent information on books by and about Native Americans as well as pointing to some excellent collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show how a new academic library works. Design/methodology/approach – The author used statistical data and anecdotal evidence. Findings – The findings were that digital library materials have dramatically changed how libraries operate. Originality/value – The library featured in this story is the University of Calgary’s main library which is called the Taylor Family Digital Library, which is meant to be a library with digital technology as its main focus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate if collection developers in American academic libraries have added predominantly "yellowface" movies to their collections, or have actively sought out movies created and acted by Asian and Asian Americans, to balance out their libraries' collections. Design/methodology/approach – In total, ten acknowledged "yellowface" movies and ten critically acclaimed Asian and Asian American movies were chosen. The collections of 157 academic libraries throughout the entire USA were then surveyed, including geographical areas that have had very few Asians or Asian Americans in their populations throughout their histories. Findings – The results show that neither "yellowface" movies nor Asian and Asian American movies are overtly dominant in the collections of American academic librarians, and one can conclude that the collection developers actively sought to find a balance between movies in both categories, no matter the geographical locations of their libraries. Social implications – No matter how unsavory is our racist past, representations of past bigotry and discrimination should be available for scholars of history, cultural studies, and sociology. However, interpretations of Asians defined with this jaundiced eye must be balanced with movies of Asians and Asian Americans defining themselves. Originality/value – The area of Asian and Asian American movies is rather small and arcane, yet the results of this survey show that there are no academic areas too small or narrow that do not demand the attention of a knowledgeable collection developer. [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 look at the nature of funding for collection development activities at Chancellor College Library, University of Malawi, and see how that impacts on the collection development activities of the institution. Design/methodology/approach - A case study methodological approach was used, coupled with a review of the literature, annual financial reports and acquisition statistics. Findings - The results of the study show that funding for collection development activities at Chancellor College Library was inadequate and that inadequacy of funding had seriously affected the library's collection development activities. Due to the prevailing conditions, the library had been forced to rely on donations and exchanges as the principal means of growing its collection. Practical implications - The study recommends some practical interventions, which, if implemented, could ease the financial difficulties Chancellor College Library faces. The interventions include lobbying for an increase in the materials budget, drawing up proposals for possible funding by both local and international organizations, and the introduction of a library fee to be paid by students. Originality/value - Research undertakings in the field of collection development in Malawian academic libraries are limited, causing a dearth of literature on the topic. This study is therefore significant in that it will help in some way in filling some of the knowledge gaps that exist in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to understand how electronic grey literature is being incorporated into Women's Studies collections at academic libraries. Design/methodology/approach - The electronic grey literature holdings of four American academic libraries at universities with graduate Women's Studies programs were collected and analyzed. This included: databases; digital special collections; web sites; and online course guides that the library had created for Women's Studies courses. Findings - Women's Studies International and GeriderWatch were the two most popular databases, being available at three of the four libraries studied. The most popular web sites were University of Wisconsin - Women's Studies Librarian (www.library.wisc.edu/libraries/WomensStudies/) and WSSLinks: Women and Gender Studies web sites (http://libr.org/wss/wsslinks/index.html). Recommended web sites were overwhelmingly multidisciplinary in nature and covered a variety of topics related to Women's Studies such as business, art, health, music, and philosophy. The digital collections with women's grey literature all dealt with historical topics and were either about a specific group of people or a specific person or place that had a tie to the university where it was housed. Originality/value - Grey literature is becoming an increasing popular topic in collection development and document preservation. However, there is little research on grey literature created by women. Specific databases and web sites that were found in the collections studied are mentioned so that other libraries may use the information to enhance their own collections. [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 discover the criteria upon which selection decisions are made in six mobile libraries in New Zealand. Design/methodology/approach - In this qualitative study data were gathered from interviews with six mobile librarians. The study is guided conceptually by the perceived need for a collection development policy and a selection procedures statement to guide selection, and the needs versus wants debate. Findings - The data suggest that there is no universal approach to the selection of material for mobile library collections; mobile librarians achieve a balance between users' needs and wants to some extent when selecting; and there is no relationship between the nature of mobile library services and the serving of needs and wants. The researchers contend that mobile librarians' selection decisions are influenced by various criteria other than users' needs or users' wants. Research limitations/implications - This qualitative research is based on the analysis of the selection practices of six mobile librarians in New Zealand. Future research might seek to replicate this study's methodology using a larger population or investigate the lack of emphasis on reference services on some mobile libraries or the management of fixed, floating, and integrated mobile library collections. Originality/value - Only a slight amount of literature exists about the selection of mobile library collections. This study will be of interest to mobile librarians in New Zealand and elsewhere who wish to obtain a better understanding of current selection practices. It will also act as guiding literature to help mobile librarians to make better informed election decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – To compare and contrast national collection management principles for hard copy deposit collections and for digital deposit collections. Design/methodology/approach – A selective overview and summary of work to date on digital legal deposit and digital preservation. Findings – That the comprehensive nature of traditional print deposit collection often absolves national libraries from the more intractable problems of stock selection; whereas the difficulty of collecting the entire national digital web space means that intelligent selection is vital for the building of meaningful digital deposit collections. Research limitations/implications – These are indicative and partial insights based on small scale interrogation of trial digital deposit collections: the issue of collection development and selection biases in digital collection building needs greater in-depth research before hard and fast recommendations about collection management criteria can be arrived at. Practical implications – The principles outlined may offer practitioners in national libraries some useful insights into how to manage their digital deposit collections. Originality/value – This paper emphasises the social and political aspects of digital deposit issues, rather than the legal or technical aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - To launch the University of Chicago Library's study break program for undergraduate students which introduces them to rare book and manuscript collections. Design/methodology/approach - Two study breaks, Love in the Stacks and Things that Go Bump in the Stacks' are described in detail, including selecting material for viewing, marketing the event and basic logistics. In addition the authors discuss the educational materials they created for distribution at the event, attendance, the feedback and comments they received and finally what they learned. Findings - Provides information about the events, and looks towards future events. Discusses how book and manuscript collections can be intimidating to undergraduate students, who often believe the materials are for the use of faculty or other "serious" scholars. Originality/value - This paper describes an innovative program that has successfully introduced undergraduate students to Special Collections, and provides information which would allow others to offer a similar program. [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 - 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 - 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]

The paper starts with a progress report on LASSI, a collaborative project to procure professional standards compliant software for a consortium of large UK museums. Aspects of the potential for collections information systems, with special emphasis on the implications of sound data analysis for public access, are then reviewed. Suggestions are made regarding the need to share information between different types of museum information systems. It is argued that these ideas lead to the idea of a museum information base as a key non-human museum resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper seeks to describe the Canadian Library Association's 2007 pre-conference, Collections 2007: Reinvigorating Collection Development and Management. Design/methodology/approach This paper summarizes the various papers, describing actual collections practices in a variety of library and information center settings that made up the CLA Collections pre-conference. Findings - The paper finds that collections development activities in academic, public and special libraries are characterized by a diversity of approaches and methods. Originality/value - This paper provides a brief summary of some of the practical approaches to collections building in a variety of library and information center settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on a conference and the individual presentations, as well as to make general observations, and relate them to important issues in acquisitions and collection development. Design/methodology/approach – The design is to describe the conference by individual presentations and general observations at this conference and preceding Charleston conferences from the viewpoint of an attendee. Findings – The findings are that acquisitions and collection development are undergoing fundamental changes that are changing operations and services rendered to faculty and students. Practical implications – The reporting of conference presentations on the important changes, both formal presentations and informal discussions, furthers the knowledge of the important current challenges in the field. Through these means information will be relayed to readers to help them enact their own changes. Originality/value – Reporting on this conference cites the new trends and important issues in the fields of acquisitions and collection development from the perspectives of the conference presenters and attendees. [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]