Summary and Evaluation of "Collection Directions: The Evolution of Library Collections and Collecting"

 Chiriboga, Claudia

Article Title: Collection Directions: The Evolution of Library Collections and Collecting

Dempsey, L., Malpas, C., & Lavoie, B. (2014). Collection Directions: The Evolution of Library Collections and Collecting. portal: Libraries and the Academy 14(3), 393-423. https://doi.org/10.1353/pla.2014.0013.

Summary: 

This article offers a comprehensive examination of how collecting behaviors have evolved within network environments, outlining potential future directions through diverse model analyses. Dempsey, Malpas, and Lavoie delve into the shifting dynamics of print collections, heightened interactions with research and learning behaviors, and trends in scholarly communication. Their aim is to furnish a framework for libraries to deliberate on evolving investment patterns across collection categories. The authors introduce the idea of network context, collection grids, and managing shared print, while explaining transaction costs, the importance of infrastructure, and explore the changing patterns of research and learning.

Evaluation: 

As stated in the article, “Libraries are not ends in themselves but serve the needs of the institutions of which they are a part. As those needs change, so do the requirements placed on the library.5 Changes in the way research and learning are done are more important drivers of change than internal library developments” (5). I concur with the statement that libraries exist to meet the needs of the institutions they belong to, and as these needs evolve, the demands on the library also shift. The assertion that alterations in research and learning methodologies have a greater impact on driving change than internal library developments aligns with my perspective. Additionally, the article states, “As access and collections are decoupled in this way, it moves the library toward a set of services around creation, curation, and consumption of resources that are less anchored in a locally managed collection and more driven by engagement with research and learning behaviors” (7). I agree with the idea that separating access from collections leads the library towards a focus on services related to creating, curating, and consuming resources. This shift diminishes the emphasis on locally managed collections and emphasizes engagement with research and learning behaviors.

Public libraries more popular & more digital than ever

Kristin Proctor

This article includes a ton of data about how public libraries' collections have changed. My summary focuses on the overall shift from print to digital use, but the article also includes information about the changes in costs and costs per use of digital versus print collections as well as information about the wages of public library staff toward the end. Definitely worth a read.

Rizzo, N. (2022). State of US public libraries - More popular and digital than ever. WordsRated. https://wordsrated.com/state-of-us-public-libraries/

Using data from 1992 through 2019 (i.e. right before the Covid-19 pandemic shut down many libraries for in-person visits) and a series of informative graphs and charts, Rizzo describes why some people mistakenly believe "libraries are dead" because overall visits to public libraries and checkouts of physical books have declined.

However, libraries have increased numbers of borrowers, programs, program attendance, and use of digital collections. Total checkouts (digital plus physical) have increased as libraries have shifted their collections to more ebooks, audiobooks, and digital audiobooks. In addition, more people visit the library specifically to attend the increasing number of library programs, which in turn correlates with increased circulation numbers.

Overall, the data illustrate a story that library staff and visitors are already keenly aware of: libraries are very much alive and thriving. Public libraries are clearly shifting their collections in response to the needs of their patrons. They are providing more information and collections in digital format which serves the needs of those who don't visit the library in person as often while they are also providing community connection through library programming attracting visitors to the library.

The Evolution of Library Collections and Collecting

LoBasso-Spencer, Jasmin

Dempsey, L., Malpas, C., & Lavoie, B. (2014). The evolution of library collections and collecting. Portal: Libraries and the Academy 14(3), 393-423.

Summary:
This article is focused on the broad overview of practices concerning collection development. The article asserts that as the world changes, there will be changes in the management of library collections, specifically changes in focus, boundaries, and values. Specific models are highlighted including the network context, the evolving scholarly record, the collections grid, the inside-out collection, managed share print, and sourcing and scaling. In reference to "the network context," there are three major trends highlighted for this aspect of the article: transaction costs and system-wide reorganization, data-driven environment, and the change of researching and learning behaviors. In reference to "the changing scholarly record," conscious stewardship is highlighted and that different libraries will have different goals. In reference to "the collection grid," which focuses on resources that are applied to two values, uniqueness and scarcity, within a grid system (upper left of published materials, purchased and licensed; bottom left of special collections; bottom right of institutional research, learning, and profile materials; and upper right of the open web). In reference to "the inside-out collection," which highlights materials unique to an institution. In reference to "managed share print," which highlights shared resources as print collections are pared down. In reference to "sourcing and scaling," which also extrapolates on the concept of sharing through for example, consortiums. The overall point of the article was to highlight the trends in collection development, brought forth by the changing of academic libraries in general.

Evaluation:
Overall, I found the article to be confusing. Much of the terms and the way they were used was very odd; it also felt like the authors were throwing out a lot of random terms to extrapolate on each element of the article. It was clear to me that you had to have some knowledge of the topic to interpret the article. Therefore, it's possible that my confusion more had to do with me still being introduced to the concept of collection development. The article came from an academic viewpoint, which I know, as compared to a public library, has often taken on the role of archiving and saving a vast majority of knowledge. Therefore, I did find it interesting that some of the highlighted trends in the article are similar to the same trends being seen in public libraries (for instance, locally curated content and shared resources). Clearly, the nature of libraries are changing, since digital archives and websites have allowed a lot of the knowledge that was held sacred in a library, to be available instantly to all.

Where is the future or Library?

Wilson, Shibrie

Stripling, B. K. (2013, November 11). The Future of Libraries. Retrieved from http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2013/11/11/the-future-of-libraries/

Libraries and the existence in future is constantly in question due to technology. Due to increase in technology many libraries are changing the way in which the operate in order to keep up with emerging technology. The ALA offered a series of webinar in which guide librarians as to how to emerge with the constant changing library. Libraries are adopting virtual learning, gaming activities, and community forums in attempt to attract more users. In order to remain relevant with evolving technology collections are beginning to change and not just print materials are provided. Patrons are now able to choose from ebooks and print materials and different types of formats and software to enhance their library experience. Librarians are educators and must be a step ahead of what is taking place in society in order to provide educational opportunities through different tech devices. Librarians must constantly think of what a patron wants, how to transform library, and knowing your community. 

Opinion:
In a time in which technology continues to take over the world as we know it, as information specialist it is important we are one step ahead. Learning about the community and their needs specifically regarding to technology is vital. Librarians must continue to education themselves with technology in order to educate patrons.