Collections as a Service

 The article discusses the shift in libraries from owning materials to providing access to information through digital services, e-books, and shared resources. The authors argue that modern collection management focuses more on user access and flexibility than simply expanding physical collections. The article also discusses how technology, digital platforms and changing user expectations are transforming the role of librarians and collection development strategies. 

Evaluation

The article provides a strong overview of how collection management is evolving in response to digital technology and changing user expectations. One the strengths is its emphasis on access rather than ownership, which reflects the realities of modern librarianship. The authors effectively explain how libraries increasingly rely on e-books, shared collections and collaborative resource sharing to meet patron needs more efficiently. 

The article focuses on user-centered services, rather than treating collections as static holdings, the authors present dynamic systems that connect users with information quickly and effectively. This aligns with the course idea of having the library build a connection, an information hub rather than a storage space. 

Overall, the article is a valuable and relevant to collection management. 

APA: Linden, J., Tudesco, S., & Dollar, D. (2018). Collections as a service: A research library’s perspective. College & Research Libraries, 79(1), 86–99. https://crl.acrl.org/index.php/crl/article/view/16612/18463⁠

Managing Bias When Library Collections Become Data

Everett-Hayes, Lauren

Coleman, C. N. (2020). Managing bias when library collections become data. International Journal of Librarianship, 5(1), 8-19. https://doi.org/10.23974/ijol.2020.vol5.1.162

Summary

Catherine Coleman’s article addresses AI developments and how libraries should be critical of their integration into library functions, instead focusing on the ethos of what libraries do for patrons. For one, the point is brought up that AI has shown to be biased because of the nature of how it gets its data. It can only take what it can access, which is not a complete view of the information someone may try to access. The author illustrates that a collection is where library data is concentrated, and, when considering how to incorporate AI, how you access information becomes extremely more relevant (Coleman, 2020).

A core thing the author seemed to want to get across was that AI should be wielded as a tool instead of as a solution as it could help with assessing bias in collections. A current example of overarching bias are the paradoxical LOC subject headings in how they are necessary for categorizing but also cause problems through misrepresentation, racism, etc. The author also expertly speaks about how libraries are more relevant than ever with the integration of AI:

At this moment when there are as many papers about the successes of AI research as there are papers calling out algorithmic bias, data bias, and setting forth principles of AI practice, libraries need to do much more than provide curated data to AI researchers. Libraries need to apply the principles of the profession to managing bias in AI-based systems. (Coleman, 2020, p. 16)

Lastly, Coleman (2020) sums up the article perfectly with the following quote, which pairs well with her call to action that is illustrated throughout: “Libraries need what AI has to offer, but AI needs what librarians have to offer even more” (p. 16).

Evaluation

Overall, I found this article well articulated and felt that it pushed the subject on AI in libraries in effective ways that both explored how AI could help and where it has limitations. Unsurprisingly, there are a lot of things librarians have to consider regarding our library Code of Ethics, copyright, and accessibility to our collections as there is more of a push to use AI and allow it to access our collections without a leash. However, this article talks about how AI can be both a barrier and an asset that continuously needs human input and discretion. In this back-and-forth, there ends up being a lot of really great questions and points made by Coleman that gives us a lot to think about and prepare for, but also feel empowered by. I don't think we have to be afraid of AI replacing our work or making libraries obsolete. The way in which humans understand other humans and what they need will always exist through the nature of research and making connections to the scholarly conversations out there. AI might get robust enough to aid us in seeing our biases and analyzing collections on a deeper level, but I don't think we will use it to put the books on the shelf, since human patrons will always be our focus.

As an honorable mention that might be interesting to others, there is an open access book that is mentioned in this article that gives a humanistic perspective on data that I would like to note here: All Data Are Local: Thinking Critically in a Data-Driven Society

Designing and Managing Library Collections

 Rodriguez, Ariana

Wong, M. A. (2018). Designing and managing library collections. In K. Haycock & M.-J. Romaniuk (Eds.), The portable MLIS: Insights from the experts (2nd ed., pp. 137–151). Libraries Unlimited. 

Summary: 

Melissa A. Wong's chapter in The Portable MLIS: Insights from the Experts discusses the designing and maintaining of library collection and the principles and practices that drive them.  This includes the selection and deselection of materials, the evaluation of materials, and maintenance.

Evaluation: 

This chapter is a smart, brief introduction to the world of collection management. Wong goes into depth about acquiring materials with purpose and with guidance from the organization's set of policies. Each item must be of value to the collection and isn't collected for collecting's sake. I appreciate the sentiment about consistent ongoing evaluation of materials, both physical and digital. Physical items require routine maintenance for wear including taping and covering. Digital materials over time are subject to digital decay and irrelevance. It makes me think of how the floppy disk is now a relic and printing out physical directions on MapQuest is a thing of the recent past. Digital materials and resources need to be carefully considered for acquisition as their cost per use could be more in the long run. It runs the risk of outdated or broken links. Digital materials also have the potential to reach more patrons that may not be able to physically access the library. Remote patrons must be taken into consideration. Wong's points on the deselection process opened my eyes to why weeding is essential to collection management. Nobody is removing books without good reason and sometimes that reason is that the information inside is no longer accurate or relevant to a subject. All in all, collection management is an ongoing process. 

Outsourcing Technical Services in Academic Libraries

Orr, Jessica 

Michalak, R. (2023). Outsourcing Technical Services to Streamline Collection Management: A Case Study of an Academic Library’s Book Reduction Project. Journal of Library Administration, 63(5), 682–699. https://doi.org/10.1080/01930826.2023.2219604 

Summary

In this case study, Michalak examines how a small academic library reduced its monograph collection by 61 percent through outsourcing technical services to LibraryIQ and hiring temporary student workers to complete the physical weeding. The project relied on data‑driven deselection criteria, agile project‑management practices, and structured onboarding to maintain accuracy and staff alignment. The author emphasizes that outsourcing enabled the library to meet an aggressive two‑month deadline while maintaining transparency and community trust. 

Evaluation

Michalak’s case study offers a practical model for libraries facing space constraints or outdated collections. The author’s emphasis on data‑driven deselection and agile project management demonstrates how outsourcing can balance efficiency with accountability. I found the focus on transparent communication especially valuable, as it highlights the importance of maintaining community trust during large‑scale collection changes. The article also raises important questions about the long‑term impact of deselection, particularly when only a small portion of the collection is available digitally. Overall, this case study provides useful guidance for libraries navigating space limitations while acknowledging the risks and ethical considerations involved. 

New Horizons for Academic Library Collection Development: Creating a Community-Curated Collection Through Student Empowerment

 

MacRae, Alisdair

Heisserer-Miller, R., & McAlister, L. R. (2023). New horizons for academic library collection development: Creating a community curated collection through student empowerment. Journal of Library Outreach & Engagement, 3, 119–135. https://doi.org/10.21900/j.jloe.v3.1157

Summary

This article offered two interesting solutions for academic libraries to engage student, faculty, and staff users in the form of student selection projects and grants awarded for purchasing materials related to their given area of focus. Responding to declining enrollment, shrinking budgets, and the needs of marginalized users, these programs enhanced services for users while also maintaining collection development. The Kent Library at Southeast Missouri State University is not large, with five staff for every 1,000 students, and consisting of twelve librarians and eight staff. The library had operated under a collection development model driven by faculty, so librarians had very little involvement. Equating student engagement with student success, the decision was made to establish opportunities to participate in collection development. The students gladly accepted the invitation, and while faculty might not necessarily approve materials selected by students in some cases, the solutions showed how vital student participation is for academic libraries, as well as the increasing opportunities for diversity equity, inclusion, social justice, outreach, and partnerships.

Evaluation

I found this article really exciting in terms of academic library collection development. While the university at the centre of the project might seem small and perhaps not well funded, I believe these solutions could be applied at institutions of any size, and even in non-academic library settings. The literature review supported the idea of student success through engagement, but also the potential pitfalls due to inconsistent and complex methods used to engage students, and how the student collection development process was eventually selected. The authors provided data and analysis around the engagement with each opportunity for collaborative collection development. While they noted the limits of the programs due to COVID ,they were also very honest about how interest may have been bolstered through signage, posters, free candy and coffee shop gift cards, and promotional writings in the student newspaper. Promotion may be seen as critical to making the collection development projects successful rather than imparting bias given how students are busy, and may have been under the impression that they may have little input into library operations. Overall, the project did not have exorbitant costs, with $4,000 devoted to the purchase of student nominated resources between 2019 and 2020, and $7,000 for the student group grant program between 2019 and 2021. I believe the article offers a good example of connection development through its collaborative aspects, and it would be interesting to try a similar project at another library.

A.I. in the Library: Virtual Mini-Conference Explores A.I. from Different Perspectives

 

Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) is starting to creep into various aspects of our lives including in the library.  On March 9, 2026, Library 2.0 in partnership with California Libraries Learn, the California Library Association, and the California State Library put on a virtual mini conference that went over the many ways that A.I. is being used in different library settings. The three-hour event had twenty-one panels in all that spanned topics such as programming ideas using A.I., patron and staff training about A.I., useful ways to make reporting easier for staff using A.I., and much more. The event kicked off with an hour-long keynote session that made it clear that right now is the time for librarians to design A.I. policies for their institutions. A.I. is a relatively recent technology but it is growing and advancing at an alarming pace. Many institutions are facing pressure from their organizations to explore and use A.I. with the goal of efficiency.  A.I. can be a useful tool but there can be drawbacks.  To control those drawbacks better, library administrators must begin creating institutional policies about the use of A.I. Creating policies that lay down the groundwork for the appropriate use of A.I. is necessary for information institutions.  The keynote panelists presented the A.I. policy of the Toronto Public Library. The policy lays down good guard rails on the appropriate use of A.I. for the institution’s staff. The policy breaks down how A.I. is to be used while stating that the underlying principles of “[t]his policy is driven by principles as defined in the Library’s Values, Vision and Mission and in TPL’s [Toronto Public Library] Equity statement and Intellectual Freedom Statement,” (Toronto Public Library, 2025). The policy clearly states how staff can appropriately use A.I., the areas that A.I. can be used, and it describes the associated challenges of using A.I. Panelists encourage library administrators to review other institutions’ A.I. policies, like the shared Toronto Public Library’s policy, as they begin to design their own policies. The entire virtual mini conference is available online for those interested in seeing how A.I. is being used in the library. One thing is for sure, A.I. is here and libraries will need to make decisions on how it is used in their institutions effectively and responsibly.   Overall, I found the mini conference to be very engaging and enlightening.  The panels I attended really showed the possibilities of A.I. but it was clear that before jumping in completely, we need our institutions to lay down ground rules.  Our input is needed.

Library 2.0. (2026, March 9). Perspectives on AI: Exploring experiences with AI in library work [Webinar].  https://www.library20.com/miniconferences/perspectives-on-ai

Toronto Public Library. (2025, January 27). Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy. https://tpl.ca/policies-and-terms-of-use/artificial-intelligence-policy/

 

 

Inclusive Collections For Supercharged Storytimes

Varela, Tiffany 

WebJunction. (2023, December 27). Inclusive collections for supercharged storytimes.            https://www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/inclusive-collections.html 

Summary:

Highlights the importance of building diverse and representative collections for children’s programs. Storytime helps shape how children see themselves and others. Choosing books that reflect the identities in our communities, while also introducing new perspectives, supports a sense of belonging and encourages understanding.

The article emphasizes that inclusive collections require intentional, ongoing effort. Librarians should regularly assess their materials to ensure a wide range of voices and experiences are represented, especially those that have been historically underrepresented. It also highlights useful tools such as curated booklists, review sources, and professional development opportunities to support inclusive selection and programming. A central idea is that books act as mirrors, windows, and doors, reflecting children’s lives, offering insight into others, and opening pathways to new experiences.

Overall, the article reminds us that inclusive storytime collections are built through thoughtful practice and play a key role in fostering empathy and connection.

Evaluation:

The article provides a clear and practical overview of why inclusive collections matter in children’s library services. It effectively connects theory to practice by focusing on storytime and how book choices influence children’s sense of identity and understanding of others. The “mirrors, windows, and doors” concept is used well as a simple guide for selecting materials.

A key strength is its emphasis on intentionality, presenting inclusive collection building as an ongoing responsibility. The inclusion of booklists, tools, and training resources makes it useful for librarians looking to improve their work. There is a generous list of resources to refer to when it comes to selection. However, the article stays at a general level. It offers limited guidance on how to evaluate collections in a systematic way and does not fully address challenges such as budget limits or community concerns.

Overall, it serves as a strong introduction that highlights the importance of inclusive practices, though additional detail would be helpful for deeper implementation.