Serving the whole person: popular materials in academic libraries

Abstract

PurposeThis paper seeks to provide support and direction for academic libraries collecting popular materials.Design/methodology/approachThis paper offers a case study format supplemented by statistical and descriptive analyses.FindingsThe paper presents literature and case history‐based information on the debate surrounding popular materials collection in academic libraries. The case study provides concrete, cost‐effective steps for academic libraries to use in building popular materials collections.Practical implicationsThe authors make the case for support of popular materials collections through detailed evaluation of circulation records.Originality/valueThis paper offers a level of statistical analysis of circulation records unique to the library literature on popular materials collection. It also provides a distinctive case history of the evolution of a successful collection and includes easily adaptable steps.

Reading work as a diversity practice: A differentiated approach to reading promotion in academic libraries in North America

“…Institutions of higher education have started paying more attention to students’ well-being, not just education and professional development. The idea of educating the “whole person,” which is not unfamiliar to academic libraries either (Hallyburton et al, 2011), is quite tangible in the climate of contemporary academia and, more often than not, reflected in institutional mission statements or other established and written policies. Academic librarians could be greatly helped by the careful reading of these policies in their efforts to advocate for non-academic reading on campus.…”

The Case for a 60-Day Interlibrary Loan Lending Period

“…Thirty-one titles had holds placed at several of the different institutions. These titles appeared to be either textbooks or New York Times Bestseller books (Hallyburton, Buchanan, & Carstens, 2011). Of the 11 institutions evaluated, most had a drop in the number of multiple holds submitted over the past three academic years.…”

At Your Leisure Pilot Project: Providing Leisure Reading Materials to a University Community through an Academic and Public Library Initiative

“…It is frequently suggested that students who are seeking leisure reading can instead be directed to a public library (Dewan, 2010;Diers & Simpson, 2012;Elliott, 2007;Rathe & Blankenship, 2006). Despite these observations, there is ample evidence to support the provision of a leisure reading collection within an academic library (Bosman, Glover & Prince, 2008;Dewan, 2010;Elliott, 2007;Fleet, 2003;Gilbert & Fister, 2011;Hallyburton, Buchanan & Carstens, 2011;Hsieh & Runner, 2005;Rathe & Blankenship, 2006).…”