PurposeCurrently there is a need for an updated assessment model that addresses and reflects the ongoing diversity of issues related to collection evaluation in academic libraries. The purpose of this paper is to provide conceptual guidelines and a model to support collection evaluation and assessment in this time of unstable and constantly changing patterns of information.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides a literature review of the collection evaluation and assessment. Based on an analytical study of environmental factors and their relationship to, and impact on, the library collection, the authors propose a new model of collection evaluation to address the needs of the current environment.FindingsThe paper identifies environmental factors in collection evaluation, establishes a set of ratios that need to be addressed and finally, provides a set of indicators for collection evaluation and assessment that can be selected from, and adapted to each library's needs.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper bridges two different collection evaluation models, collection‐based and user‐based. It identifies that there is not a single appropriate collection evaluation method. It provides a different perspective to a body of literature that is mostly best practice‐based.Practical implicationsWith this research a new model is suggested that provides flexibility and adaptability. It offers a multidimensional approach that libraries can use and adapt to their specific situation.Originality/valueThe new model suggested here addresses a current need generated by a changing information environment. It adds a new approach to the body of literature in the area of collection evaluation.
Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to test a multi-dimensional model of indicators for collection evaluation (proposed in a previous paper by the authors) and to illustrate how to apply these indicators in practice. Design/methodology/approach -An analytical study will be used to test the use of the multi-dimensional collection evaluation model to assess an academic library collection. The study will: define the scope of the collection; focus on two of the dimensional categories (capacity and usage) and identify indicators for the two categories.Findings -This paper demonstrates that combining usage indicators with capacity measurement (in terms of dollar expenditures) provides a powerful method of assessment with the potential to provide valuable data.Research limitations/implications -This study provides an accurate assessment of a library's collection in the current information environment. It does not currently include institutional repositories or locally created digital resources that will need to be addressed in the future as they mature and become more robust. Practical implications -Academic libraries will have a reliable and sustainable model for the assessment of their collections. This paper illustrates how to assess the collection using the selected indicators. Originality/value -The value of this study is in its development of the multi-dimensional model for collection assessment and in the reliability and accuracy of the collection data it provides. It provides an evidence-based method for assessing an academic library collection.
This article examines the development of site licensing within the United Kingdom higher education community. In particular, it looks at haw the pressure to make better use of dwindling fiscal resources led to the conclusion that information technology and its exploitation was necessary in order to create an effective library service. These conclusions, reached in the Follett Report of 1993, led to the establishment of a Pilot Site License Initiative and then a National Electronic Site License Initiative. The focus of this article is these initiatives and the issues they faced, which included off-site access, definition of a site and perhaps mostimportantly, the unbundling of print and electronic journals.
Problem patrons are not a phenomenon exclusive to the public library arena. Academic libraries have throughout time had their own share of difficult patrons. This article focuses on problem patrons and reference staff in the academic library with a particular focus on electronic equipment and resources, particularly the Internet. Issues include viewing of pornographic images by patrons, plagiarism and the librarian's role, use of e-mail and chat, and cell phone use in the reference area.
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