A Holistic Approach to Supporting Academic Libraries in Resource Allocation Processes

Zatko, Ruzena

 

Siguenza-Guzman, L., Van den Abbeele, A., et al. (2015). A holistic approach to supporting academic libraries in resource allocation processes. The Library Quarterly: Information, Community, Policy, 85(3), 295-318. doi: 10.1086/681612

 

 

Summary

 

In this article, we see what harsh reality the library can be faced with when the budget gets cut. In these situations its imperative to obtain grants, donations, etc. With the digital collection and demand for eBooks on the rise, it is becoming even more expensive to have an impressive variety available for patrons. Having a theoretically budget plan is a great start. With the use of LibQual the library can also be aware of what patrons think of the library and what needs improvement. Overall, this paper cover a broad range of topics in operating a successful academic library. It also suggests a qualitative method of measuring the collection, budget, and other data.

 

 

 

Evaluation

 

The great point in this article that although the library is 'free', the material costs money. If a budget is cut or lost, the library hasn't a fund to upkeep itself. There was a suggestion made using a qualitative method in order to measure how the library is doing. With the proper statistics the library can make a sound decision on how to proceed in numerous scenarios'. The article expresses the importance of  constantly evaluating and analyzing the collection and library itself, to see how its doing and what needs to be weeded. This is especially important in case there are budget cuts and the library needs to endure setbacks.