Rightsizing the Academic Library Collection—eEditions e-book
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- Description
- Table of Contents
- About the author
- Reviews
Is your institution's library bursting at the seams with books that have not been touched for decades, microfilm that nobody uses, and print journals that have been superseded by electronic access? Have you wondered how best to identify what physical material to retain and what to withdraw to maintain an inviting collection of relevant material for your users? Then it's time to rightsize! Ward identifies the challenges and proposes solutions to shaping physical collections for today's academic library. Filled with sage advice and ready-to-implement guidance, this book
- Introduces the concept of rightsizing, a strategic and largely automated approach that uses continuous assessment to identify the no- and low-use materials in the collection
- Walks you through crafting a rightsizing plan, from developing withdrawal criteria and creating discard lists to managing workflow and disposing of withdrawn materials
- Shows how to identify stakeholders, plus strategies for winning them over
- Offers tips for working with consortial partners on collaborative print retention projects
- Discusses how growing electronic collections can enhance legacy print collections
- Advises what to do with print journals after your library licenses perpetual access rights to the electronic equivalent
- Looks ahead to the future of physical collections in academic libraries
By learning how to rightsize, you will ensure that your institution's collection meets the needs of your library's users.
INTRODUCTION 1. BACKGROUNDChallenges facing colleges and universitiesAcademic libraries todayA rose by any other nameWhy rightsize?The digital revolutionProject genesisResistance to rightsizingStakeholdersUse studiesChanging environment 2. TRADITIONAL DESELECTION SOLUTIONSWithdrawals based on superseded volumesWithdrawals based on low circulation/low useWithdrawals based on electronic accessLocal storageRemote storageMoving beyond weeding and storage 3. RIGHTSIZING SOLUTIONSWithdrawal policyThe rightsizing planRules-based mass book withdrawalsMatching books against electronic collections Matching journals against electronic collectionsWithdrawals based on short or scattered holdingsDigitizationCollaborative storageCost 4. PROJECT MANAGEMENTStrategic rightsizing approachDisposal of withdrawn materialGetting started: a checklistManaging workflow: journalsManaging workflow: booksManaging workflow: microforms and audio visual materialRapid response scenarioProject conclusion Continuous assessment 5. THE FUTURE OF PHYSICAL COLLECTIONS IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES Local collectionsRegional and research mega-collectionsFuture rightsizingConclusion
"As a recognized leader in the area of collection management, Ward provides both strategic and practical advice for developing and implementing data-driven, rules-based projects that include print and electronic formats. The final chapter on the future of physical collections in academic libraries is especially thought provoking … Recommended reading for all academic librarians and library managers."
— Library Journal (starred review)
"Critically important for professional librarians charged with maintaining the standards of an academic library, as well as an addition to university level Library Science curriculum supplemental reading lists."
— Library Bookwatch
"Along with outlining the necessary background, Ward identifies each potential stakeholder's reaction and highlights various pathways librarians must take in order to continue moving forward … Unlike other books of this kind that focus mostly on philosophy and theory, Rightsizing the Academic Library Collection provides a realistic blueprint to effectively start and finish this massive undertaking."
— VOYA
"Contains the practical elements of weeding both book and journal collections ... Recommended."
— CHOICE
"An excellent resource for any library considering a major weeding project in the near future. The figures and examples scattered throughout are perfect for libraries looking for ways to justify decisions, as well as offering firm rules that can be referred back to should others question the choices."
— Catholic Library World