Reference in transition: A case study in reference collection development

Bullard, Sherrie

Detmering, R., & Sproles, C. (2012). Reference in transition: A case study in reference collection       development. Collection Building, 31(1), 19-22. doi:10.1108/01604951211199146

Summary: The purpose of this article is to describe the ongoing process of weeding, streamlining, and transforming a very large, print‐based reference collection at the University of Louisville's William F. Ekstrom Library, focusing in particular on the various issues involved in developing a timelier, focused, and electronic‐oriented collection. Over the years, the Ekstrom Library reference collection evolved into a large, neglected, print‐based collection that ignored current space needs and user preferences for digital sources. To address this, the reference department developed a new, cooperative approach to reference collection development and weeding to improve the user experience and address serious space issues. To achieve a more usable reference collection, the reference department needed to rethink the philosophy behind the collection and completely rewrite the collection development policy. These changes have facilitated the creation of a smaller, more user‐friendly collection that embraces the digital environment.

Evaluation:  The article highlights problems and approaches to refocusing a reference collection in a time of transition, as physical library spaces continue to evolve and the value of a traditional reference collection appears increasingly uncertain. This is a great article on how to transform a library space into a learning commons and on the process of improving the user experience.

Labels: Academic Libraries, Collection Development, Collections Management, Reference Collections, Weeding, Learning Commons