How to Build a High-Quality Library Collection in a Multi-Format Environment: Centralized Selection at University of Wyoming Libraries.

Barstow, S., Macaulay, D., & Tharp, S. (2016). How to Build a High-Quality Library Collection in a Multi-Format Environment: Centralized Selection at University of Wyoming Libraries. Journal of Library Administration, 56(7), 790-809.

     When the new Head of Collection Development began her role at the University of Wyoming Library she began transitioning the library’s staff to a more collaborative and centralized environment for development and acquisitions.  In the wake of major changes to both departments in the digital age, it was apparent that changes were also needed to streamline workflow in both departments, improve access for the university library users, and reduce costs for both departments.  Barstow, Macaulay, & Tharp’s article details the steps the UW Library took to become more centralized while ensuring a quality, on-trend collection for the Library.   The authors state “By centralizing the selection process among a dedicated group of librarians with expertise in collection development and emerging formats, the process of building a comprehensive research collection can be carried out more effectively” (p. 806).  The UW Library found the process was not without some challenges, however.  The biggest of these challenges involved the need for detailed record keeping and communicativeness among departments and staff to reduce delays and avoid duplication of work and expenditures.  Despite these challenges, UW Library created an efficient, collaborative, and timely collection development and acquisitions process that capitalizes on the strengths of the staff and keeps the library’s collection progressing forward in a fast-paced and dynamically changing digital age. 

     This article serves as an example to other academic libraries facing similar challenges.  It provides an overview of the history and steps UW Library took to establish their centralized system as a way of providing a guide for other libraries to copy in their own institutions.