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.

What the 21st-Century Library Looks Like

Cassandra Swartzwelder

Najmabadi, S. (July 02, 2017). What the 21st-Century Library Looks Like. The Chronical of Higher Education. Retrieved from https://www.chronicle.com/article/What-the-21st-Century-Library/240494

Summary:

This article is about the changes that occurred at DePaul’s John T. Richardson Library. Recently the library went through a renovation that reflect today's digital world. The main floor no longer holds books, but instead offers a space where patrons can gather, talk, and get technical help from the Genius Squad counter. This part of the library has transitioned from being a library of collections to a library of people. The internet has taken the place of books. Due to this some libraries have moved their books off-site to create more space for their users. Libraries are getting rid of items or placing them in storage. The article notes that HathiTrust, is making sure that at least one of its member libraries holds onto a physical copy of each resource hosted online. This allows the library to free up much needed space that is requested by its users while preserving its collection. This also has had an effect on a librarian’s job. Librarians are spending less time with collections and more time teaching. In order to fit their new role libraries are buying less print and more electronic resources.

Evaluation:

This article reflects the climate of today. It address how libraries and librarians jobs are changing due to technology. It also notes the importance of preserving the libraries print collection. By doing all of these things, libraries will be able to provide the user with their needs for the years to come.

Preserve technology storage collection downsizing