Remote reading: a shelf list analysis of an academic library’s juvenile collection

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to detail an analysis project of a juvenile collection within an academic library. The analysis became a starting point for the development of a coherent collection policy, and for charting a path toward a better maintained, more used, more diverse, inclusive and representative collection. Design/methodology/approach The analysis was done by using a catalog-generated shelf list, which revealed specific details about the aged state of the collection and brought to light the lack of attention the collection has been getting in recent years. Findings The analysis of a collection of children’s books in an academic library revealed a collection long out of date and unable to serve the needs of our user population. Research limitations/implications This analysis is specific to academic institutions that have collections of children’s material. Originality/value The literature on juvenile collections in academic libraries is relatively sparse. This research details a social justice approach to building and maintaining juvenile collections in academic libraries.

Case Study: Shifting Within a Curriculum Materials Center

“…For example, scholars may mention genrefication of a collection, but do not detail the process of shifting materials thoroughly for these changes (Outhouse, 2017;Torres, 2021;Witteveen, 2019). Space considerations in articles specifically about CMCs also seem to focus on sub-section organization or shelf-list analysis (Cohn, 2022;Gelber & Uhl, 2013). Guidance on determining shelf distribution approaches for CMCs with a sectionbased material organization would be beneficial.…”