Community-Curated Collection through Student Empowerment

Smit, Elizabeth

Heisserer-Miller, R. & McAlister, L.R. (2023). New horizons for academic library collection 
development: Creating a community curated collection through student empowerment. Journal of Library Outreach & Engagement, 3(2023), 119-135.

Summary:

Librarians at Southeast Missouri State University started two programs to get more patron input into collection development. The first let students nominate and then vote on which section of the library should get a special $3,000 budget. The second created a grant program for student groups to suggest materials needed by the library. Items purchased through the first program saw a jump in usage while items purchased through the second program saw lower than average usage. In both cases, the researchers were pleased with the student engagement with the programs and the relationships built between the library and the affinity groups on campus. One grant turned into an on-going project and a new special collection in the library.

Opinion:

While I don't think the results of this study are particularly exciting, encouraging patrons to take ownership over portions of the collection sounds like a great way to improve circulation and engagement. The programs here might not translate directly to your library or budget but they're a good jumping off point. And, the researchers' enthusiasm for the programs is catching! I know my students would love to pick books, but I often worry that they'll choose books that are trendy now & then they'll will be forgotten before they even arrive. Sometimes we take book suggestions but I would love to have students vote for which section of the library needs a tune-up next year. Our library doesn't receive enough money to give grants to student groups but it would be nice to include other areas than English, Science & Social Studies in our purchasing decisions.

Dorothy Porter: A Black Woman Pioneer in Library and Information Science

Penelope Wright

Conley, Z. (2023). Dorothy Porter: A Black woman pioneer in library and information science. Arkansas Libraries Fall/Winter 2023, 80(3/4), 24-26.

Summary:

Dorothy Porter was born in 1905 in Virginia. She attended Howard University and in 1930 became a librarian there. In 1932 she was Columbia University's first Black student to earn a library science degree. When she began as a librarian, there were two numbers in Dewey that all materials by (or about) Black people went: 326 (slavery) or 325 (colonization). A book of poetry by a Black author would be assigned either 326 or 325, it would not go in 811. Dorothy changed this, putting materials by Black authors in the sections in which they fit best in the wider Dewey system, not just in the two numbers. Porter's system pushed back on racism and challenged the bias of the Dewey system. She was the curator of the Moorland Foundation and amassed a collection of more than 180,000 materials. Her contributions to Black history and literature were immense. She received numerous awards and accolades, including the Frankel Award from the National Endowment for the Humanities. She published many scholarly works and helped set the standard for collections focused on Black lives and culture. Porter's indomitable will and trailblazing nature brought resounding positive change to libraries worldwide. 

Evaluation/Opinion

I read a lot of different articles this semester but this is the one that I kept coming back to, that stuck in my mind the most. Porter challenged the status quo, and shook up the way things "had always been done" because the way things had "always been done" was wrong. I'm glad I learned about her, she was an amazing woman. I'd recommend this article to anyone who wants a quick, informative read about notable librarians, the history of libraries, or overcoming institutional racism. 

Policies for Library Inclusion of Self-Published Works

 

Burns, C. (2016, February 4). Policies for library inclusion of self-published works. Public Libraries Online. https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2016/02/policies-for-library-inclusion-of-self-published-works/

Whipple, Karen

Spring 2025

Summary:

    This short article poses the question of whether self-published works should be accessible through libraries. The article discussed how these works can easily fit into a library's collection with a few caveats. Specifically, it may be necessary to modify the collection development policy to focus on self-published works, and an agreement must be established with the self-publishing companies. As always, libraries need to consider the value of the book and the space they have available for their collection. Ultimately, the article argues for including self-published works but recognizes the library must be willing to create a firm policy and procedures for these works.

Evaluation:

    This brief article was written almost ten years ago, but it has become even more relevant today. Self-publishing is incredibly easy nowadays with the help of self-publishing opportunities like Kindle Unlimited Direct Publishing (KDP), which allows individuals to electronically publish their works and even receive payment when users access and read their books. Many of these books are available in print, eBook, and eAudiobook formats.

    "Indie" authors are no longer the amateurs they were once considered to be. Some indie authors have built successful careers through this nontraditional form of writing, achieving notable success in both income and readership. These self-published works are reviewed by readers on Amazon, and Goodreads, and some have Kirkus reviews as well.

    The question of whether libraries should include self-published works has been on my mind recently, so I was happy to come across this article. I would have loved to have had more detailed information, but this article was relatively brief and was more of an introduction to the idea rather than a fully fleshed-out how-to guide or review of libraries that are currently using self-published works. It is unsurprising, though, as the article was published in 2016; I imagine the idea was still in its infancy. Still, it was an enjoyable, quick read to pique my curiosity.

Collection Development Based On Patron

 Mao Yang

APA: Allen, M., Ward, S., Wray, T., & Debus-López, K. (2003). Collection development based on patron requests: Collaboration between inter-library loan and acquisitions. Library Collections, Acquisitions, and Technical Services, 27(2), 203-213.

Summary:
Allen, Ward, Wray, & Debus-Lopez (2023) used this article to see the effectiveness of collection development based on patrons. They called this method On-Demand Collection Development. On-Demand Collection Development is when the librarian purchases a book rather than borrow through inter-library loan. It was found that this method was more cost-efficient and patrons received their requests faster. Allen, Ward, Wray, & Debus-Lopez (2023) believes that on-demand collection development is a practical aspect that meets both patron and library needs.

Evaluation:
This article focused on using the method on academic libraries. I think this method works well in academic libraries because the patrons are university students or faculty member. I would like to see if this method would work on public libraries. When there is a wider range of interest and patron, I wonder how the on-demand collection development would work. Overall, I think it's a great method in collecting books because the library owns the book compared to inter-library loans.

Intellectual Freedom and the Collection Development Process

Shauna Bailey

 

Reference:

 

Costello, L. (2020). Survey Applies Public Collection Development Librarians’ Support for Intellectual Freedom to Collection Process. Evidence Based Library and Information Practice, 15(1), 245–247. https://doi.org/10.18438/eblip29686

 

 

Summary: 

This study used an online survey to explore how 645 Midwestern public librarians’ attitudes around intellectual freedom and demographics influenced decisions concerning collection development. Intellectual freedom around the management of collections was the focus of the survey. It was found that the participants used many tools in the selection of collection materials. Just less than half indicated their library had a policy to assess collection balance, while just over half indicated their libraries did not have a policy in place to ensure a balanced collection. Almost ¾ of respondents felt local communities should influence collection development. Communities' political leanings did not have an impact on participants’ alignment with the intellectual freedom stance of the American Library Association (ALA), though holding an MLS degree did significantly affect respondents' stance and alignment with the ALA. Almost ¾ of the participants felt that collection development should be influenced by the government library funding leadership. A small number of respondents encountered pressure from their coworkers or communities to either purchase or restrict collection materials. Interestingly, almost 40% of respondents felt torn between their professional views on intellectual freedom and their personal values, though, there was support for intellectual freedom and alignment with the principles of the ALA in general.

 Evaluation:

 This article focuses on the implications of intellectual freedom around collection development in public libraries. I found it interesting that most of the participants indicated that their libraries did not have a collection development process in place to ensure a balanced collection. This article suggests collection development without a structured plan will stray off course, something we have also been learning in INFO 266. This article highlights public collection development librarians and their efforts to follow the guidance of the ALA intellectual freedom standards. Continued education for information professionals around intellectual freedom, and the importance of developing guidelines and policies to ensure a balanced collection development process cannot be stressed enough. Maintaining balanced collections, developed while following the principles of intellectual freedom, will ensure that public libraries remain vibrant, inclusive spaces for the communities that they serve.

The Post-Pandemic Future of Library Services

 Fajardo, Mariella

Shumaker, D. (2021). The next normal: The post-pandemic future of library services. Information Today, 38(4), 14-16.

Summary: Shumaker introduces the main idea that changes in librarianship will mirror changes in society; in this case, the coronavirus pandemic. Two main trends with the change included an increased reliance on digital technologies and the increasing vulnerability of disadvantaged communities. He states that librarians experience the impact of these changes through collections, programs, and community needs. The use of digital collections has been increasing and set new records in 2020. Similarly, in higher education, circulating physical collections is considered to be practically "irrelevant." Virtual programs have changed since they can overcome transportation and distance barriers. In recent years, librarians have taken new approaches to engage their communities, specifically through online services. However, a digital divide continues to persist. 

Evaluation: It's apparent that post-COVID planning is a necessity in the change for public libraries. Librarians should continue to advocate for themselves and to address the needs of their communities during the pandemic. Along with the increasing digital divide, innovation and creativity are important for librarians to maintain in order to be successful and be a part of society's recovery during this pandemic.

Info 266- The Collection Development Policy

 Anna Nicholson

Sullivan, M. (2013). The collection development policy [for children's services]. In M. Sullivan (Ed.), Fundamentals of children's services (2nd ed., pp. 45-54). ALA. http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/sjsu/detail.action?docID=3001691 

Summary: In this chapter, the author explains the purpose of a collection development policy, defines policy, and explains the different pieces that make up this policy- particularly in children’s services. The chapter then expands upon the importance of aligning the policy with the organization’s mission and vision statements. Next, the chapter explores how service roles and selection criteria and responsibility need to be reflected in the collection development policy. Finally, Sullivan explains how to break down a collection by topics and subsections to determine what resources are needed, where they should be placed, and how the collection supports intellectual freedom. 

Evaluation: This was a useful chapter because it did a good job explaining the purpose of a development policy and how to create and use one. In addition, I appreciated that this resource was specific towards children's services because it helped me understand the different concerns and issues that I should be aware of when making a collection development policy for a school library. Ultimately, this was a clear, concise resource that I would recommend reading for more information about the roles information professionals play and the criteria that should be used when selecting or deselecting children's materials. 

Demand-driven cooperative collection development: three case studies from the USA

 Peterman, Rhian

Booth, H. A., & O'Brien, K. (2011). Demand-driven cooperative collection development: three case studies from the USA. Interlending & Document Supply, 39(3), 148–155. https://doi.org/10.1108/02641611111164636

This article gives a detailed overview of the demand-driven acquisition process in conjunction with collaborative multi-institutional collection development policies between libraries. The article likewise addresses the successes and issues faced with conducting this form of collection development. Furthermore, the authors note the future implications this form of library collection strategy may have on shifting individual collections to a holistic network forming a single library collection.   

The authors present a very fascinating concept for collection development. Further investigation into the prospect of de-emphasizing individual library collections in lieu of geographically formed consortiums, i.e., one large collection that multiple institutions support and take part in. If widely adopted, the proposed framework in this article could provide broad sweeping stability for libraries in general.

Shared Patron-Driven Acquisition Within a Consortium: The OCUL PDA Pilot

 Peterman, Rhian 

Davis, K., Jin, L., Neely, C., & Rykse, H. (2012). Shared Patron-Driven Acquisition Within a Consortium: The OCUL PDA Pilot. Serials Review, 38(3), 183–187. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.serrev.2012.08.002

This article provides a case study for the implementation of patron-driven acquisitions as a collection development and management strategy. The article outlines the successes and challenges of PDA. Additionally, the authors look at the institutional and consortial level implications this acquisition strategy has by providing a detailed review of the participating libraries’ implementation strategies as well as key takeaways. 

    This is an important article to contextualize the PDA methodology. However, the implementation methods do not seem like they were comprehensively reviewed regarding interoperable software or hardware requirements (though the authors do go into detail regarding this issue). Future analysis regarding the elimination of isolated collections in favor of building a larger single collection would be an interesting potential solution.

Collaborative collection development: current perspectives leading to future initiatives

Peterman, Rhian 

Levenson, H. N., & Hess, A. N. (2020). Collaborative collection development: current perspectives leading to future initiatives. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 46(5), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2020.102201

The article presents collaborative collection development as a means to fulfill institutional needs during economically fraught times. Furthermore, the authors outline the potential benefits as well as potential complications, or challenges, that a collaborative collection development program may possess. The authors present a review of the literature regarding previously enacted collaborative collection development programs as well as a view for the future. This article notably frames the proposal within the context of a post-Covid-19 budgetary landscape.

The data-driven methods employed by the authors in this article need broader contextualization for other library system types, e.g., public library systems. However, the potential industry resilience garnered by enacting this collection development model cannot be understated. Further research regarding this topic is needed, especially as it relates to potentially mitigating broader environmental impacts.

Creating a Culture of Readers through Collection Development and Outreach

Peterman, Rhian 

Prince, J., & Boff C. (2020). Creating a Culture of Readers through Collection Development and Outreach, Collection Management, https://doi.org/10.1080/01462679.2020.1859423

This article provides a case study of three separate events at the Bowling Green State University to align curricular reading with collection development and services. Additionally, the article provides a glimpse into the impact successful collection development decisions can have on building cross-campus communities around a library’s collection. Additionally, the authors advocate for proactively aligned outreach efforts that showcase the collection development efforts of the institution.   

Furthermore, this article is particularly interesting when noting the importance of collaboration with faculty and educators regarding collection choices, outreach efforts, and circulation use. Through dedicated programming and events, the collection choices can be showcased while providing needed proofs of positive impact for future budget decisions. 

Building Collections through Purchase Suggestions in Academic Libraries

Peterman, Rhian

Ibacache, K. (2020). Building Collections through Purchase Suggestions in Academic Libraries,    Collection Management, 45(2), 179-192, https://doi.org/10.1080/01462679.2019.1666332

This article outlines the positive impact patron driven acquisition models can have on the collection development process. The authors assessed data from over 100 universities using the Suggest a Purchase program, looking at what impact the information captured on the forms could have on collection development decisions. The authors advocate for using form submission patron driven acquisitions as a means for a more user-focused, tailored, and functional collection development strategy. Collection development librarians can use this process to better meet user needs as well as increase the circulation of library materials. 

    Within this framework, patron driven acquisition is not a replacement of librarian driven collection development, instead it could be meaningfully used to augment and focus collections. However, further information and data points needs to be gathered regarding the viability of implementing this collection method.

ALA's Web Resources and Wiki

ALA. (2019, June 26). Resources for Library Collections. Retrieved May 10, 2020, from http://www.ala.org/alcts/resources/collect

§  ALA’s collection development resources published on their website

o   Dated but useful

§  Most recent articles appear to be 2015

o   Challenging librarians to assume more risk

§ http://www.ala.org/alcts/sites/ala.org.alcts/files/content/resources/papers/risk_ogburn.pdf

§  Challenges libraries to assume more risk to keep up with tech and connect with patrons

ALA. (2014, August 6). Collection Development Wiki. Retrieved May 10, 2020, from https://wikis.ala.org/professionaltips/index.php?title=Collection_Development

§  ALA wiki with resources on collection development

§  Once again dated, but a great web 2.0 idea

§  Useful resources and links still here

o   General Guidelines

o   Collection Development Policy Examples

o   Tips on collaboration with community

o   Tips on ciriculum development

o   Guideline for reference collections

I wanted to share these resources as I found it very interesting the way that ALA is handling sharing information on this subject. The first thing of note, is there are a plethora of useful resources here for all level of collection development. The second thing I like about these resources is the choice to hare these online, and create a Web2.0 functional wiki page to encourage collaboration from librarians in sharing what they know about the subject. This is where the good aspects of this service end, as both of these resources have not been updated for the last five years or so. Something I see too often in every industry, an overzealous attempt to create social media accounts, websites, or Web2.0 features, and then let them die from some combination of a lack of regular updates and content, a lack of marketing, or someone leaving and having he account go dark. I wanted to share these resources as there is good stuff here, but also as a warning on how not to handle collaborative content like this.

A Case for Popular Culture in Academic Library Collection Development

Blick, W. M. (2015) Pulp Poets and Superhero Prophets: A Case for Popular Culture in Academic Library Collection Development. Community & Junior College Libraries, 21:1-2, 5-10, DOI: 10.1080/02763915.2015.1111069

Notes on the article:

·        Argues for popular culture materials in academic libraries

o   Not for leisure purposes

o   For sociological and relevant issues

o   Keeps students interested by learning through medium they like

§  Maus + Watchmen referenced

o   Find balance between functionality and diversity

§  Argues academic libraries focus to much on functionality rather than diversity

I found this article particularly interesting as the literary and sociological importance of non-traditional media is a particular interest to me. The article specifically argues that materials like comic books, graphic novels, film, and music can be of importance for academic collections for popular culture references. I posit that this can takes a step further and that video games and manga can be analyzed for similar purposes, but it is nice to see this process being discussed on an academic level.

I think this article did an excellent job justifying its case for these types of materials in academic library collections. Part of its justification was that Academic libraries tend to focus too much on functionality rather that diversity.

Collection Development Trends in Academic Libraries

Collection Development Trends in Academic Libraries

Lopez, Liliana

Horava, T., & Levine-Clark, M. (2016). Current trends in collection development practices and policies. Collection Building, 35(4), 97-102. https://doi-org.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/10.1108/CB-09-2016-0025

The article Current Trends in Collection Development Practices and Policies by Tony Horava and Michael Levine Clark delivers the results of a study on current trends and issues in academic library collections. It provides a glimpse of major current collection trends and issues within North American academic libraries. The trends and issues in this study include: the use of collection development policies, demand driven acquisition (DDA) models, big deals, use of the collections budget, rationalizing legacy print collections, stewarding local digital collections, and demonstrating value.

The findings from this study render a deeper understanding of collection development functions within academic libraries. They show evidence that academic libraries use their collections budget to fund many costs other than content —often using funds for memberships and MARC records. Some of the other findings highlight the trend of demand-driven acquisitions (DDA) and an academic library’s willingness to support open access investments. Furthermore, collaborative print rationalization projects are not an academic library’s priority but academic libraries do tend to have at least one collaborative print rationalization project within their collection development plan. Perhaps the most inspiring practices and trends are the innovative ways in which academic libraries demonstrate their value.

Evaluation:

Overall, this article provides a platform to reflect on and compare strategies for academic library collections. It enables academic libraries to share current practices and trends — to build upon them and improve their collection development plans. However, this study is only the start of the conversation, because academic libraries have to continue developing their competitive edge to continue thriving and making the most out of their funds.

COLLABORATIVE COLLECTIONS: In academic libraries, collection development is becoming more of a team effort

Brian DeFelice

Dixon, J. A. (2019, August). COLLABORATIVE: COLLECTIONS: In academic libraries, collection development is becoming more of a team effort. Library Journal, 144(7), 36+. Retrieved from https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A595194907/GPS?u=mlin_s_thomas&sid=GPS&xid=f473f88d


In this article, Jennifer Dixon explores the difficulties that some academic libraries are having with keeping up with the demands of collection development, while also balancing limited budgets and increased demand on their physical spaces. This article explores how some academic libraries have found creative ways to enhance their collection development polices and practices by joining library consortia, sharing spaces, and digitization, and state wide repository. One very interesting element of the article is discussing the idea of "sharing spaces" which really is more of a shared repository for academic libraries. The Research Collections and Preservation Consortia (Re-CAP) services Princeton, Columbia, and New York Public Library by proving off site material storage that can be requested by member libraries. Re-CAP acts as an offsite repository, allowing member libraries to house books off site, but still have them technically in the collection. Patrons can request items that are off site, which are then delivered to the requesting library in an inter library loan delivery fashion.

Of course, not all libraries need to share space or offload physical collections to an off site local. Some can join local public library consortia which allows them to expand their collection without having to actually add additional books on the shelves. Rather than store collected materials in an off site warehouse, each library acts as it's own "warehouse" lending materials to other libraries upon request. Some academic libraries just join other academic library consortia, others, Like Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, MA opt to join public library consortia. Joining a consortia of either type can have an impact on collection development policy because some consortia have particular rules about lending and purchasing of materials. Some Library systems, like in Ohio, are working to create a state wide repository of materials for libraries of all types, to deal issues of limited space, funding, and enhancing resource sharing.

E-Books as a Collection and a Service

Lamb, Amanda

O’Connell, B. & Haven, D. (2013). eBooks as a collection and a service: Developing a public library instruction program to support eBook use. Journal of Library Innovation. 4(1), 53-66. 

Much discussion has centered around the challenges of negotiating ebook collection development. But, other than a clear increase in digital circulation, we do not know much about specific user preferences in this format. This study looks at digital ebooks from a user-centric perspective. The study finds that as use of a library’s collection of eBooks expands, so does patron use of services, especially instructional sessions and individual reference consultations. One patron even commented, “This is a great way to learn how to use eBooks – much easier than simply going to the library website.” 

Those responsible for collection management may want to consider an instructional element with topical collections or new formats. Should libraries commit to supporting 21st century collection development with digital literacy and technology help? If so, then those in charge of collections may want to factor in programming, instruction, and even reference desk support at the time of purchase. 

Baby Boomers

Espinoza, Isaiah

Kleiman, A., & Polacek, K. (2012). “Boomer-ize” Your Library Collection: The Basics. Reference and User Services Quarterly, 52(2), 102-105.

 

The generation known as the Baby Boomers began in 1946, one year after the end of World War II. In 2006, the first of the Boomers crossed the age of sixty. As one of the largest groups of citizens this will cause a huge spike in the senior population. Growing from thirty-five million to an estimated seventy-eight million. With such a massive shift there will be a greater need to fix Social Security and Medicare.

            Yet these will not be the only institutions that will be affected by the change. Libraries are now preparing for the change as part of their community ages. Author, Allan Kleinman, is working on “senior spaces” project and many libraries around the country are also taking the population into account. With libraries being more than just books, the institution is taking measure to craft collections that will assist seniors in key areas. The RSUA Guidelines for Library and Information Services for Older Adults suggests collection development in health care and financial planning and independent living. A library’s collection, services and programs must meet the needs and interests of the aging population (Kleinman, 2012).

In response to this, libraries can take into consideration updating their collection. Books about Social Security, Medicare and Government aid can get outdated quickly. Where to Retire by John Howell is in its seventh edition. Magazines may prove useful as a subscription to AARP Magazine is only sixteen dollars a year. Road Scholar, formerly known as Elderhostel, is a free quarterly newsletter that was once a stable of public libraries. For those in building up a digital collection AARP Magazine is also available in e-book form. 

There are many other areas which can be taken into consideration and developed such as media, films and music. It's important to remember that the seniors who make up the community are also some of the biggest supporters of the library. They see it as a community center and place where they can gather more information from sources other than books. The role of a library is to serve and one of the greatest ways a library can define itself is how it serves those who are entering the twilight stage of their lives.