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Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to synthesize different research projects and approaches to managing the "hidden collections" problem. Design/methodology/approach - The paper describes current research and practices. Findings - Hidden collections are a problem for both libraries and archives. "Hidden collections" are materials that cannot be found in the online catalog or may be found there only under a collective title or un- or under-processed primary sources. These materials transcend all formats of library and archival materials (print, microform, video, etc.) and can be found throughout the library in a variety of collections from government documents to area studies to music to the reference department. It is in the area of archival and special collections, however, that this problem has received the most attention and where the greatest challenges and opportunities for exposing these collections exist. Practical implications - Many archives have backlogs and "hidden collections". This article discusses some recent efforts to identify and expose these collections to enable better archival control and researcher access that may be applied in other settings. Originality/value - This article identifies and highlights different approaches and potential solutions to the problem of hidden collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to provide a library with useful information about selection criteria for an electronic resource assessment system and practical assistance on how to implement efficiently such a system. Design/methodology/approach - The paper is based on literature review, desk research, and implementation experience. Findings - The paper identifies a number of homegrown, open-source, and commercial electronic resource assessment systems and discusses their selection criteria. Based on the implementation of 360 Counter, the paper details the efficient way to implement the system. Originality/value - Collecting usage statistics is very important to make informed and well-rounded collection decisions. Libraries are seeking suitable measuring tools to meet their needs. This paper reviews several electronic resource assessment systems, discusses the selection criteria and implementation process of 360 Counter, and detailed learned lessons as well. Future directions for usage statistics are also explored. It is believed that the deployment experience should be instructive when carrying out similar projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Patron driven acquisitions (PDA) programs have emerged as an important component in library collection practices. The authors aim to report on four PDA programs (two completed, two currently underway) undertaken by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign either by itself or in partnership with a statewide academic library consortium known as CARLI. Design/methodology/approach – The authors use a case study approach based on their professional experience and direct involvement with these programs. Findings – The programs were built on successful partnerships with both vendors and consortial partners; each program was informed by and built on the success of the previous one. The processes can be scaled up and applied to larger systems in order to maximize their impact and user satisfaction. Originality/value – Acquisitions librarians and selectors will find the local PDA programs of interest, while the consortial approach will be of interest to anyone involved with building and sharing collections in a multi-institutional environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — To define the elements of a gift books policy. Design/methodology/approach — Research based on a review of library gift policies. Findings — Provides libraries with general guidelines as to what should be included in a gift book policy. Originality/value — Provides assistance to libraries to find a way to explain to prospective donors how the library handles donations and gifts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – To identify the issues faced by shared library storage facilities involving collection ownership, services, and governance. Design/methodology/approach – Literature-based review describing the operations of shared library storage facilities in the USA. Findings – There are 50 or more library storage facilities in the USA (including separate compact shelving buildings or wings), with others in various stages of planning and construction. Most of the existing facilities are operated by individual academic libraries for their own collections, but increasing numbers of shared facilities are being planned and built. As more and more US academic libraries operate or share storage facilities, they face issues involving collection ownership, services, and governance within their own constituencies. These shared facilities can form the infrastructure for the evolving international network of print repositories. Originality/value – Provides models for operating shared library storage facilities and outlines next steps to develop an international repository network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a historical overview of the creation of the New York Public Library's Picture Collection and its evolution from a physical collection to a virtual collection – Picture Collection Online. The Library built a unique Picture Collection 90 years ago to answer the users' needs for searching pictures from the subject point of view, a venture that resulted in a rich New York cultural resource. Today, the Library has once again risen to the challenge of a new information age to break the boundary of physical walls in order to expand its service via the World Wide Web to a global audience. From Picture Collection to Picture Collection Online, this article provides an account on what and how decisions were made to provide users with online access to a digitized version of the Picture Collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]