Collection development in UK university libraries

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight collection development activity in UK higher education libraries and to place it within both a conceptual and strategic context. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses a theoretical approach to collection development and content strategy derived from literary theory to contextualise debates. It uses current examples from collection management within UK academic libraries. Findings This paper suggests that collection development is not exclusively a library practitioner activity but needs to be considered within a wider context that takes account of multiple strands of collection selection and management. Collection development cannot be considered in isolation but alongside collection management and in relation to content strategy. Research limitations/implications This paper includes consideration of the topic of collection development that is influenced by other disciplines, notably literary theory. This suggests that research in library science should include input from other disciplines. Practical implications This paper includes implications for content development within academic libraries that suggest that a re-focus at the strategic level of content is required. Originality/value This paper introduces a conceptual register to collection development outside of traditional library science models and posits a move to strategy.

Collection development practices in academic libraries in Tanzania

“…Library collections are appraised frequently by qualified and experienced subject librarians to guarantee their currency, accuracy, quality and continuing content appeal, and accessibility (Kelly and O’Gara, 2018). The library resources are evaluated and subjected to selection or deselection based on CREW (Continuous Review, Evaluation and Weeding) procedures which operate in line with the academic library’s guidelines for evaluation and deselection (Hunt, 2017). The procedure is expensive and entails qualified subject specialists, and thus Younghee (2010) suggested that as a result of diminishing academic library budgets, academic libraries have in other ways developed their own criteria, principles and procedures for evaluation process.…”

Decolonising Library Collections: Contemporary Issues, Practical Steps and Examples from London School of Economics

“…Evaluating collections allows libraries to discover whether their collections are fit for purpose and whether they meet user needs, provide value for money, or support library and institutional strategies (Schmidt, 2016). They also allow libraries to demonstrate how they support the education and research missions of universities (Henry, Longstaff, and Van Kampen, 2008;Hunt, 2017).…”

“…The absence of a collection development policy can lead to haphazard and inconsistent practice (Chaputula and Kanyundo, 2014). In contrast, it has been questioned whether collection development policies are 'the right weapon for this future battle' (Torrence, Powers, and Sheffield, 2012) as they may not describe all the collection development strategies and criteria used (Papadakos et al, 2014) and changes in practice are not always reflected in policies (Hunt, 2017). Where policies diverge from practice, they can become the 'occupant of the last folder in the bottom drawer of a filing cabinet' (Snow, 1996), which indicates that successful collection development policies should be dynamic and adaptable that change when the strategies and curricula of parent institutions change.…”

Proses Akuisisi Koleksi Buku Di Perpustakaan Bank Indonesia

“…Proses pembelian menjadi penting untuk disimak prosesnya karena menyangkut penyerapan tepat guna dana yang dimiliki oleh perpustakaan untuk membeli koleksi yang sesuai kebutuhan pengguna. Seperti yang diungkapkan oleh Hunt (2017) bahwa pustakawan memiliki tanggung jawab untuk dana berbasis subjek pada koleksi yang telah dialokasikan sesuai dengan kebutuhan khusus perpustakaan. Hunt menjelaskan jika di perpustakaan akademik pengembangan koleksi mempertimbangkan jumlah siswa dan biaya rata-rata untuk buku-buku dalam area subjek tertentu maka pada perpustakaan khusus seperti Bank Indonesia harus dapat melihat kebutuhan yang dapat menunjang karyawan Lembaga induk perpustakaan tersebut sebagai target pengguna utama.…”