Monograph evaluation for acquisitions in a large research library

Abstract

A computerized method of assisting monograph collection development by correlating circulation with inventory statistics is presented. This technique requires obtaining the library's circulation and inventory on each subject as defined by a call number. A circulation/inventory/time or circulation/inventory ratio is used to identify high-and low-use subject areas directly. These ratios, together with inventory data, may be obtained both for recent periods (up to one year), which will indicate changes in current information needs, and for more stable, long-term periods (1976 to date). High and low values are then defined by the library for inventory, circulation, and a circulation/inventory ratio according to budget and manpower restrictions. Data are used to identify subject areas in which (1 ) the collection is strong but more books should be purchased; (2) more books on similar subjects should be purchased; (3) the collection i s adequate; (4) purchases should be minimized for some time period-perhaps a year; (5) the collection is large but weak. These data can also be used to obtain computer recommendations for the total number of mono graphs to be purchased as well as their subject distribution. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR INFORMATION SCIENCE0002-8231 /79/0030-0088$01 .OO