Katie Vanous

Hirsh, D. (2015). Collection Development and Trends. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqY7PfymvUo

Summary
David Hirsh is a Librarian for Middle Eastern Studies @ UCLA. This video covers how they collect materials from and about the Middle Eastern world, including the issues that come with that job. This video is about 1 hour and 15 mintues. It also includes E-resources that are available for these items is also covered, it appears that these are new and still improving upon these resources. This video is based on academic libraries.

Evaluation
This video helped me to understand how difficult it can be to acquire resources, books, etc from certain parts of the world. For materials in English often all that has to be done is a search online and a click of a button, those purchases are easy and it is easy to forget that not all purchases are like that. Hirsh overviews how they go about finding materials from the middle eastern region of the world and in the languages spoken, along with how they go about making the purchases.

Katie Vanous

Vnuk, R. (2015). Collection Development: The Basics and Beyond. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IEVL8WV73o

Summary
Rebecca Vnuk is the Editor, Reference and Collection Management for Booklist. This video covers collection development basics. Some of the topics that she spoke about include organizing the budget, weeding and writing plans. Current topics of media and ebooks is also covered. The video is 1 hour and 25 minutes long, including question and answers at the end. The topics are based on her experience from public libraries.

Evaluation
A part that I found useful was when she went over each different professional review sources for ordering and what is good or bad about each. There are so many different resources that review materials that it can be really overwhelming and confusing. Mrs. Vnuk gives a brief overview of each, including what each publication focuses on and how they review. She also gives her opinion on them personally.

Libraries 2016

Simon Clifford

Horrigan, J. (2016). Libraries 2016. Pew Research Center. Retrieved from:
http://pewinternet.org/

Summary

A summary of the Pew Research Center's findings on American public libraries, including public opinion and current trends. It covers many topics, such as events and programs, technology, and usage.

Evaluation

The report found that most Americans think libraries should provide more digital tools and education. It also found that Americans are divided on whether or not print collections should be removed to make room for other spaces, but the support for such a decision has fallen since 2015. Both topics are of interest to collection development. Beyond that lens, the report is useful as a benchmark of the current state of the field. 

Referencing the imaginary: An analysis of library collection of role-playing game materials

Simon Clifford

Schneider, E. and Hutchinson, B. (2015). Referencing the imaginary: An analysis of library collection of role-playing game materials. The Reference Librarian, 56(3), p. 174-188. doi: 10.1080/02763877.2014.1002716

Summary
Schneider and Hutchinson examine the frequency and distribution of tabletop roleplaying games (RPGs) in library collections. They find that many libraries do not carry tabletop RPGs at all, and those that do tend to have very small collections. One publisher dominates library collections with its titles accounting for over 80% of library tabletop RPG holdings. Despite a wide range of tabletop RPGs in existence from a number of publishers, library collections are small and lack diversity. They acknowledge the claim that high rates of theft may be responsible for discouraging libraries from collecting the materials, but suggest the claim is unsubstantiated, and further suggest that digital collection could offer a solution.

Evaluation
Schneider and Hutchinson have provided here a good analysis of the current state of library collections across the country. From a collection development standpoint, this article is most valuable for demonstrating the lack of diversity in library holdings on the subject. It is also valuable for discussing why libraries tend not to build these collections. Ultimately its a niche work, but great for getting a basic understanding of the topic.

Keeping Up With... Augmented Reality

Bradford, Josie

Spina, C. (N.D.) Keeping up with…. Augmented reality. Association of College and Research Libraries: A Division of the American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/acrl/publications/keeping_up_with/ar 

The article Keeping up with… Augmented reality begins by explaining what augmented reality is.  As defined by Oxford English Dictionary “augmented reality is the use of technology which allows the perception of the physical world to be enhanced or modified by computer-generated stimuli perceived with the aid of special equipment.” 

The beginning of this article explores what augmented reality is and what devices, apps and software are being used to make it functional.  Currently there are several items on the market that are becoming popular with augmented reality.  These include Google Glass, Evena Eyes-On Glasses, “which show medical professionals the exact location of patient’s blood vessels,” iOS and Android apps and Ikea’s app which allows customers to “virtually see how furniture will look in their home.”

The article goes on to describe how augmented reality is being used in education as well as in the libraries.  

Some of the possibilities for use in education include, interactive content in textbooks, ways of exploring the real world in combination with virtual information to explore subjects such as environmental damage, astronomy and medicine.  Potential applications for augmented reality extend to any subject and have a large possibility for use. 

The potential use for augmented reality in libraries includes apps that can scan tagged books and allow library workers to see any books that are out of place.  “Augmented reality can also be used to create engaging patron-facing applications that can bring new patrons in and connect them with information they would not have typically sought out.”  There is also the possibility that libraries can create their own customized augmented reality applications that give patrons tours of the stacks, and other areas of the library in which libraries can connect information with physical locations such as tours. 

Although augmented reality has yet to become mainstream, it is important for libraries to embrace its potential for use since it will become something that is used in most libraries in the next several years.  My library is already starting to use it to scan books and look for items that are out of place.  There is the possibility that in the future a patron can find a book they want to locate on their smartphone, and it will provide them with a map to the book.  Augmented reality isn’t just something that is new and cool, and will phase out in a couple of years, it’s something that is going to become part of the technology we use in our everyday lives, and it is important that libraries are prepared to use it and embrace it’s many possibilities for use.  

Virtual Reality in the Library: Creating a New Experience

Bradford, Josie

Lambert. T. (2016). Virtual reality in the library: creating a new experience, Public Library Association: Public Libraries Online, 4 pgs.  http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2016/02/virtual-reality-in-the-library-creating-a-new-experience/

I currently work at the Boise Public Library, and this article was passed out to staff to read in order to get an idea of why we are looking into investing in virtual reality in the next fiscal year.  We have currently been testing out vendors, and just the other day staff got the opportunity to test out virtual reality for the first time.  I was fortunate enough to explore an undersea world and test out the Tilt Brush.  I had my reservations about VR, but I was honestly beyond impressed.  If fact I was amazed at the possibilities that VR has in our future.   

The article Virtual Reality in the Library: Creating a New Experience explains the exciting new possibilities that virtual reality has in public libraries.  As libraries transition away from their traditional roles, they have become more like community centers, centered around education, experience and introducing new technologies to the public, and since the purchase of Oculus by Google many public libraries are starting to realize that virtual reality is going to be the next big thing.  However, what is VR’s place in libraries?  How will it be implemented into programs and services?  

This article explores some of the possibilities that VR has in the future such as virtual travel experiences, virtual field trips, virtual gaming as well as virtual education and storytelling.

With VR users can explore fantastical worlds that don’t exist.  They can practice surgery, or see national monuments, and libraries are a great platform to provide these experiences.  However, how do libraries do this when they don’t have much of a budget?  This article suggests that there are several products out there that are very cheap such as Google Cardboard and Samsung Gear.  Patrons can also make their own VR kit out of cardboard and their phones as a craft project. 

This article also suggests that in addition to VR, augmented reality is also going to play a role in libraries of the future. Augmented reality is a way to use a camera in conjunction with software to alter the appearance of a space, so patrons can see virtual stacks or go on a virtual tours of the library.  These new technologies are very exciting for libraries and offer endless possibilities for use.    

The changing Nature of library budgeting

Samnath, Kayla

Rossmann, D., & Arlitsch, K. (2015). From acquisitions to access: The changing nature of library budgeting. Journal of Library Administration, 55(5), 394-404.

Summary:

The focus of this article was to explore the shifts in library budgets. Due to the shift the digital environment, the authors argue that there should also be a shift in budgets and in materials in which libraries provide its patrons. Typically library budgets include a separate budget for IT services. These budgets are also normally small, which really puts libraries who have began shifting towards digital resources in a tight spot. With small budgets, and many cuts, libraries find themselves with a print collection that has had no growth, or even reversed (2015, p.396).

Rossmann and Arlitsch use Montana State University as an example of an old acquisitions model in which is now criticised. Montana State University’s old model consisted of:

• Books, videos, maps
• Journals
• Microforms
• E-books
• E-journals and databases
• Interlibrary loan/document delivery
• binding

(2015, p.398). The authors critique this type of model because it really doesn’t take into consideration the libraries ever changing role as providers of not only information, but of technologies as well. The authors instead provide a new acquisitions model, one that focuses on offering tools and services to patrons. Rossmann and Arlitsch suggest that vision statements should be adjusted based on the observation of shifting to libraries providing technological tools rather than just information. They suggest vision statements change focus in the following ways:

• Teaching and Learning
• Research Services
• Engagement

(2015, p. 398).

Adopting these into vision statements for acquisitions allows much more room within the budget to focus on more IT factors. This presents a unique opportunity for libraries, taking into consideration the impact of technology, and shifting in materials to provide more tools and services to access materials versus a physical print collection.

Evaluation:

This article presented a new idea in which libraries can try to merge certain budgets. The focus is that libraries should change the services they offer their patrons. It is not a negative change, and it by no means discusses eliminating a print collection. Instead it suggests that with technological shifts, libraries are shifting as well. The digital realm offers patrons a lot, however this technology is still costly.

Budget is a serious issue that all libraries are struggling with. There have been massive cuts, which has an impact on what libraries can acquire for their collection. I would recommend this article for students interested in exploring how library budgets can be modified, as well as exploring vision statements to further define their acquisitions process.

Controversy over Japanese Manga and collection censorship

Samnath, Kayla

Masuchika, G. (2015). Japanese cartoons, virtual child pornography, academic libraries, and the law. Reference & User Services Quarterly, 54(4), 54.

Summary:

Author Masuchika discusses the controversial subject of libraries collecting certain manga’s that may depict younger children in sexual situations. Masuchika explores these collections with anti-obscenity laws in the US. this has major implications on the collection developer, and may put the library at risk to criminal liabilities. Another implication Masuchika brings up is that these types of laws could have ramifications on lead librarians who might in turn use heavier censorship in regards to developing the collection (2015, p.54).

Graphic novels and comics has become extremely popular, which in turn has led libraries to collect such materials. Typically graphic novels can be controversial, and sometimes have a very risque themes. Masuchika explains “themes of the human condition often include the unsavory, vicious, nasty, and cruel, and comics and cartoons, with their subversive, rebellious, “underground” history, are a good media for the expression of these themes. It is no surprise that examples of highly graphic nature, both violence and sexual, can be found in the pages of graphic novels” (2015, p. 55). Materials of this kind are not necessarily the problem, however the problem becomes prevalent through the collection of manga.  

In order to understand the law on this issue, Masuchika explains anti obscenity laws, and virtual child pornography laws, as well as civil and criminal liabilities. In order for works to be considered obscene, it must comply with the following guidelines:

(1) whether the average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find that the work, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest

(2) whether the work depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct specifically defined by the applicable state law

(3) whether the work, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value

(2015, p. 56).

Next Masuchika explains the impact of the Protect Act of 2003, which defines acts of obscenity that can be banned on two conditions: “First, that child pornography can be a visual depiction of any kind, including a drawing, cartoon, sculpture, or painting. Second, that “it is not a required element of any offense under this section that the minor depicted actually exists.” (2015, p.57).  Masuchika argues that this really calls into question libraries who collect Japanese manga.

The author brings into question the cultural differences between the regions of Japan and the United States. Japanese culture has different views on nudity, especially nudity with adults and children. Family and communal bathing is a part of Japanese history, and presently still takes place. The one major issue Masuchika discusses is the style of art which seems to be a big problem. The females are depicted as being younger than 18, regardless of any type of narrative accompanying the manga (2015, p. 27).

According to the author, there have been no civil or criminal charges against a librarian, or library at all. The author asserts that this is a fine line, especially because others have been prosecuted for distribution of child pornography, with materials that were Japanese manga's. Masuchika discusses that librarians civil liability immunity has never been tested in courts, and asserts that maybe that line gets drawn, especially in lieu of the information they are gathering to expose communities to.

Evaluation:

Although I find myself disagreeing with Masuchika, it does not make this article any less important. I find myself questioning the fact that Japanese manga drawing style is being brought into question, not only that, but the author is generalizing many manga's by saying there is typically sexualized imagery. Despite my disagreements, this article was a great and interesting read. It really has some hard hitting questions, and touches on very serious problems that could perhaps have a large impact on libraries.

It brings up very real problems that come up with collection development. There are questionable materials that the collection developers will come across and have to make the decision if they want to include it in their collection. This also brings into question intellectual freedom, yet adhering to US laws as well. Masuchika ends her article quoting the executive director of the ALA’s office of intellectual freedom, Barbara Jones. She says “There are many reasons for self-censorship, and one is fear” (2015, p. 59). This fear, similar to what the author is saying about Japanese manga, can lead librarians and collection developers to halt acquiring materials that are considered controversial. This has large implications on libraries and their free forum of information gathering, and access of materials.

How to maintain and weed E-book collections

Samnath, Kayla

Culley, J. (2015). I Feel the Need to Weed!: Maintaining an E-book Collection. The Southeastern Librarian, 63(1), 2.

Summary:

Author Jennifer Culley is the acquisitions librarian at the university of southern Mississippi. She discusses in her text the need to “weed”, and why perhaps it shouldn’t be viewed as such a negative aspect. She also discusses electronic books, and how it is crucial to continuously evaluation and assess the collection, regardless of format. Culley explains “the idea of more is better does not always hold true” (2015, p. 02).

Culley offers readers a brief historical overview of electronic books. Interestingly enough, electronic books have been around since the 1970’s. Project Gutenberg, which is still going strong today, is one of the first platforms in which electronic books were offered. However, the technology to use these sources was expensive. It wasn’t until the rapid evaluation of technology through netLibrary internet based services, google books, and more recently tablets, kindles, laptops, and smartphones that electronic books really took off (2015, p.02).

Electronic books allow patrons to have access to information at any time. It does not matter if patrons are inside or outside the library. Culley explains that “...there are several avenues to obtaining ebooks for libraries: libraries can purchase them through subscription services where they can get large collections of materials by subject matter, they can order single titles or implement a demand driven e-book acquisitions program” (2015, p.03). Although libraries can obtain electronic books, there is still the matter of weeding, even for electronic materials.

Weeding these materials are necessary due to cluttered search results, old data, or simply wrong information. Culley explains that this outdated information can be harmful, and even stressful on students. Typically users will make a selection on the top results due to muddled results. This became apparent on searches for STEAM, technology, science, and mathematics (2015, p.03).  Culley makes the argument that similar criteria should be used on electronic books as the ones they use for print and other physical materials. A great example of criteria for these types of resources the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Their system for weeding e-books is: “Misleading, and/or factually inaccurate; Ugly, not applicable for ebooks; Superseded, by a truly new edition or by a much better book on the subject; Trivial, of no discernible literary or scientific merit; Irrelevant, to the needs and interests of your communication; Elsewhere, the material can be obtained expeditiously somewhere else” (2015, p.04). Utilizing techniques such as these will allow electronic materials to become more meaningful, and also saving money by cancelling certain subscriptions.

Evaluation:

This article was helpful in understanding the concept of weeding, and the impact it can have on electronic books. It offers a really great history of electronic materials, and how libraries have really adapted to this format. The article was extremely useful when completing presentation four. Culley also gives insight from a librarian perspective. It was interesting how the article expressed that librarians are typically hesitant to weed because the thought of throwing away materials can be perceived as detrimental. Culley points out that how there are constantly new editions being published, in which sometimes makes the older versions obsolete. I really liked how Culley simply states that more isn’t always better, sometimes having more makes the information search frustrating, and muddled with useless results.

This article was extremely helpful when completing presentation four. For our proposed budget presentation understanding how to weed, and develop a criteria to assist in making those decisions. I would recommend this article for novices interested in collection development and management. It uses a great case study in order to assist in a deeper understanding of the concept of maintaining a collection, regardless if it is electronic or traditional formats.

Fundamentals of collection development and management

Samnath, Kayla

Johnson, P. (2014). Fundamentals of collection development and management. London: Facet.

Summary:

Johnson’s text focuses on the evolution of collection development. This is the third edition, in which Johnson discusses how much of an impact technology has had on collection development since her first drafting of this text in 2003. Johnson covers organization models, planning, budget, and policy strategies, developing and managing collections, as well as collection analysis.

In the first section of this text Johnson explores the concept of collection development versus collection management. Johnson argues that collection development and management should be treated as separate terms, rather than being lumped together which typically seems to be the case. She defines collection development as “covers several activities related to the development of library collections, including selection, the determination and coordination of selection policy, assessment of the needs of users and potential users, budget management, identification of collection needs, community and user outreach and liaison…” (2014, p. 02). On the other hand, collection management “covers decisions about weeding, serials cancellation, storage, and the activities that inform these decisions as use studies and cost/benefit assessment” (2014, p. 02).

Johnson explores several key collection development and management responsibilities. Some of those include selection, budgeting, planning and organizing, communicating and reporting. These skills are required in order to maintain and build collections. Johnson explores how public, special, and academic libraries can utilize these methods and better their collection, which enhances the information services offered by the institution.

Evaluation:

This textbook was extremely useful for this course. I used it to pair up with our current textbook. It really helped me understand how to approach presentation three and four. There is a lot of rich content which focuses on how to budget, and how to assess both the community and the collection. Using this information, I was able to have a clearer picture of how to handle Dr. L’s presentations. I would recommend this text to any student who is new, or interested in collection development. The text begins with a list of defined terms in which really helped me get focused on the idea of collection development at the beginning of this course.

This text really is straightforward and easy to understand. It is a great way to introduce students into this topic. Not only is it easy to read, but it is also not overwhelming to new students, rather it builds confidence as well as knowledge upon how to both manage, and develop library collections. What made this text even more useful is in each chapter, Johnson applies her discussions with public, academic, and school libraries.

Web 2.0 and the impact on libraries

Samnath, Kayla

Maness, J. (2006). "Library 2.0 Theory: Web 2.0 and Its Implications for Libraries". Webology, 3 (2), Article 25. Available at: http://www.webology.org/2006/v3n2/a25.html

Summary:  

During this course, our class was asked to fill out a survey about technology in their library of choice. One of the questions asked if the chosen library had web 2.0. After we got into small groups it was clear that we were all a little unsure of what this meant. After some research I came across author Maness’s article “Library 2.0 Theory: Web 2.0”.

Maness first discusses how the web has evolved into more than just a “collection of monologues” , rather, the web has changed into a “ more interactive, multimedia drive technological space” (2006, n.p.). Due to the ever changing nature of the web, libraries find themselves at a cross-roads in services provided. Maness explains his idea of “Library 2.0 as being the application of interactive, collaborative, and multimedia web-based technologies to web-based library services and collections” (2006, n.p.). Libraries adapting to this new user centered technology will be able to give their patrons even more information, which is easier to access.

This article includes great examples of how libraries have implemented these new changes. One example Maness used was instant messaging. Instant messaging gives patrons remote access to reference services. Another web 2.0 tool used my libraries today is flash programming, streaming audio and/or video, and even interactive quizzes.

Maness feels that social networks will have the most impact on libraries. The reason is because social networks “enable messages, blogging, streaming media, tagging” (2006, n.p.). Not only does it assist in the ease of accessing information, but it also represents the community in which it serves. Maness discusses how historically, libraries have been a place of gathering, community, and communication. This he argues resembles the social media of today, which is a possible future for libraries.

Evaluation:

Although this article is six years old, it really does a great job embodying how the evolution of technology can be adapted into library practices. Many of the items Maness lists in his article are used by libraries right now. Web 2.0 tools really connect people remotely, and give them access to information with much of ease than the library could previously. This article really clarified concepts in which myself and others were a little unsure of.

This article is also useful for citation searching. It introduces some of the forefathers of the librarian scholarship about web 2.0 capabilities. The internet represents the rapid consumption and production of information capabilities new technology offers us. Maness also exposes his readers to the change in library paradigms. Libraries of the past focused on in house collections, trying to make them as available to the public as possible, whereas now there is a shift which focuses more on collaborative systems.

LGBTQ Collection Development

Deligencia, Nick

Fiehn, B. & Suzuki, T. (2013, November 6).  LGBTQ diversity: Building a collection for independent readers. Retrieved from http://www.slj.com/2013/11/collection-development/lgbtq-diversity-building-a-collection-for-independent-readers/

Summary:  The authors recommend 17 books for students in grades 4-9.  LGBTQ materials may face challenges from the community, but libraries must recognize that “nearly 2 million children live in same-sex parent homes; they are no longer an exception in the diversity of family constructs.”  Additionally, many students may identify as LGBTQ themselves, or choose to ally themselves with those who do.

Most books on the list do not feature LGBTQ main characters.  There are fiction and nonfiction titles.

Comments:  California mandates LGBT inclusion in the curriculum.  There is no age/grade requirement for when/how this is to be accomplished.  I work in a fairly progressive-minded high school, and there is a segment of the student population that openly identifies as LGBTQ.  Thoughtful inclusion of books in this genre supports current and future students, as well as state curriculum guidelines.  Many students in the school read at the 5-7 grade level, so the books on the list should be accessible for independent reading.  This article provided 17 concrete, vetted recommendations along with a brief summary of each title--a great time-saver for a school librarian!

Genrefying a High School Library

Deligencia, Nick

Minton, C. (2014, May 4). "Genrefying" a high school library: A detailed planning document [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://christyminton.wordpress.com/2014/05/04/genrefying-a-high-school-library-a-detailed-planning-document/

Summary:  This planning document details multiple facets of the process of genrefying one high school library.  The author provides the rationale and context for the project, basically to make the library more patron-centric and match how students actually search for books (by genre, not alphabetically by author). The library expects to see increased circulation, as “non-reader” patrons will more quickly find books in their interest areas and as “reader” patrons discover new authors writing in the student’s preferred style.

The actual process is outlined in five steps: (1) assigning a genre to every title, (2) applying new spine labels to every book, (3) color-coding, (4) shelving, and (5) signage.  Each subset of the process is described, including time-saving tips and strategies for “subject integrity.”  A video and several pictures provide visual content for visual learners.  The actual 14 categories used are listed in the article, along with examples of signage for each section and a poster/visual guide to the color codes.

The post concludes with a reference list.  

Comments:  This was absolutely the “best of the best” that I read for INFO 266.  There has been a fair amount of discussion among teacher librarians in my district about the value of genrefication in a school library.  Perhaps the most useful content of the post was related to how much time to expect such a project to take.  The poster’s collection is much smaller than the one in my library but since information about how much work could be accomplished in an hour, it is possible to adjust the timeline for the scale of your own library.  For example, the author processed “30-35 records every hour” in the library catalog, which provides a method for estimating how much time such a project would take (just the cataloging part, not the re-labeling).

This article is a must-read if a genrefication project is on your horizon.

Foolproof Graphic Novel Collection Development

Deligencia, Nick

Kosturski, K. (2012, October 12). Foolproof graphic novel collection development. Retrieved from https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/foolproof-graphic-novel-collection-development/

Summary:  Graphic novels cover fiction and nonfiction topics.  A library can start with a small collection and grow it over time.  Many TV shows and movies are based on graphic novels, which is helping to push graphic novels into the mainstream.  The author suggests that developing this area of a library collection can draw new patrons to the library.  Comics are also discussed in the article, particularly because “Comics fans go to the library. They like to read.” 

Comments:  This article is great if you’re just getting started thinking about graphic novels.  The graphic novels collection in my school library definitely has the highest voluntary circulation rate, and students are always asking for more.  Since it’s unlikely that a school library has sufficient funding to acquire all graphic novels and comics that students request, a few guiding principles about developing this area of the library is tremendously useful.

Collection development as a marketing tool

Lara, Veronica

Fought, R.L., Gahn, P., & Mills, Y. (2014) Promoting the library through the collection development policy: A case study. Journal of Electronic Resources in Medical Libraries, 11(4), 169-178. DOI: 10.1080/15424065.2014.969031

            This article summarizes a study and marketing experiment done by the Health Science Library ant the University of Tennessee Health Center.  After years of budget stagnation forced staff to make cuts to the collection, they decided they needed to proactively prove the library’s relevance to stakeholders on campus. 

            To do this, they decided to update an outdated policy and market the changes to stakeholders.  Since the college had recently gone through an accreditation review, the library updated their collection development policy to more accurately reflect the goals of the school.  The library’s Electronic and Collection Services department headed the project that began with an inventory of the library’s current holdings.  This process allowed staff to weed the collection of unusable materials.  It also allowed them to identify weaknesses in the collection. 

            They then surveyed both students and staff to determine what kinds of materials and subjects were wanted and needed.  The survey showed three levels of collection goals: Research, clinical/instructional support, and minimal.  Each level contained various subjects that they hoped to grow in a certain way.  For example, they hoped to offer more research data in the subjects of neurology and neuroscience or more instructional support material in the subject of occupational therapy and family medicine.  The decision was made to offer only minimal materials in other subjects, such as nutrition.  These choices were based on an analysis of the date and recommendations of participants.

            After they analysis, access was increased to many core titles available through databases.  The library invested in an EBSCO Discovery system that would simplify the search function.  Also, the library implemented a pay-per-view subscription to databases, which would increase access to items based on need.

            The final step in their project was to publicize the results of the study through as many avenues as were available.  The library also publicized the increased access to databases.   This included facebook posts, listservs, emails to faculty, and newsletter articles.  Because of this, the library saw in increase in use and positive feedback from the community.

            This article is a perfect example of what a powerful tool collection development can be.  With no resources, libraries can make a compelling statement to stakeholders about what they hope to accomplish.  This is especially true if the library outlines how they will be accomplishing their goals.  In the Health Science Library’s case, they were able to implement changes immediately.  It shows incredible foresight and a clever use of limited resources to garner more support and resources for their library.

            What I found most intriguing about this article was how familiar it all sounded.  The steps the Health Science Library took to develop their collection have been steps we have taken as students in our individual studies.  Like HSL, we began with an inventory of not only the collection, but the community as well.  We were then able to analyze the results, looking for discrepancies or inconsistencies.  Through analysis, we identified weaknesses, and proposed a collection development policy that would help bridge the gap between those discrepancies.  If nothing else, this article made me feel more self-assured of my capabilities after taking this class.

Special Academic Libraries and The Millennial Patron.

Peralta, Polly

Girven, W. J. (2016). Special academic libraries and the millennial patron. Journal Of Library Administration, 56(8), 1007-1017.  

Summary:

Wendy Girven takes a look at how Maine Maritime Academy's Nutting Memorial Library, a special academic library, is trying to connect to the Millennial generation. Girven starts the article by discussing the lack of literature on Millennials and their use of special libraries.  Then she discusses how useful special academic libraries are to Millennial students. Also, she explains how these libraries can reach and serve this new generation of researchers. Then she talks about how collection development policy is helpful in keeping track of the needs of the patrons as, each generation has its own way of research.

Evaluation:

 As I work in a special academic library, I was hoping to learn something new.  However, I felt that the information in this article did not teach me anything.  The author mentions that there is a lack of information about Millennials and special academic libraries. To be honest, I think any information about Millennials in concerning any type library is useful to a librarian working in a special academic library. Therefore, I was little disappointed by this article.