Transforming Library collections and supporting Student Learning with Collection Mapping

 Article Author: Arenthia Herren

Post Author: Connor Schwartz

Herren, Arenthia. (2021). Transforming Library Collections and Supporting Student Learning with Collection Mapping. The Serials Librarian(ahead-of-print), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1080/0361526X.2021.1883207 

Summary:

This article presents the solutions used at Florida South Western State college used collection mapping to overhaul their print collection and enhance their development of a new collection. They used collection mapping techniques not only to overhaul the collection but also streamlined it in order to match the schools curriculum and better serve the students needs. They did not as a result record higher circulation statistics they are confident that their shift from broad subjects to curriculum specific content allows students to find more useful materials effectively. It also is noted that through the process they established closer ties with the classroom faculty and opened lines of communication with librarians about what is actually needed.

 

Evaluation: 

Reading this article was informative to the potential use and value of collection mapping techniques. It allows the reader to see the process in action and view the results. It is instructive in practice and can be used to help guide your own journey through collection development. 

We Have Outgrown IP Authentication

Ananya Madiraju

Thomas Dowling (2020). We Have Outgrown IP Authentication, Journal of Electronic Resources Librarianship, 32:1, 39-46, DOI: 10.1080/1941126X.2019.1709738

Summary:

    In his article, Dowling explains the downsides to user authentications in libraries that have proved to be inhibiting to librarians, faculty, and library users. While IP addresses work well for those on0site, its proves difficult for others who need to access e-resources but aren't able to because of location. Dowling examines the history of user authentication and how the IP protocol has changed over the past three decades. The same standards that worked then, no longer work now. Yet, scores of libraries haven't updated their IP systems and instead depend on proxies, which also have their downsides. In order to address this issue, many institutions over the years have added additional campuses and additional networks. Offering a solution, Dowling suggests allowing users to sign in through a third party verification sites (i.e. Google or Facebook) or implement RA21 codes. This would allow libraries to provide a login service with the account data they already have and confirms the identity of the patron while still protecting their personal information.

Evaluation:

This was an incredibly information article because user authentication has been frustrating for many lately, and especially because of COVID-19 where network access was severely limited if not completely defunct for those not near campuses/institutions. This article would be helpful to others looking to reimagine their current IP authentication system. Dowling mentions several ways libraries can combat issues and confidently states that the 2020s will have the first major user authentication changes and improvements since the 1990s.

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. 

San Francisco Public Library Needs Assessment: Report on Findings

 Stephanie Armatis

Wonder, Valerie (2010). San Francisco Public Library Needs Assessment: Report on Findings. WebJunction. Retrieved from https://www.webjunction.org/content/dam/WebJunction/Documents/webJunction/SFPL-Patron-Needs-Assessment.pdf 

Summary: This is a needs analysis performed by the San Francisco Public Library system in 2010. They identified a need to increase library services though they were dealing with a decrease of library funds. The main goal was to start an online instruction program. To perform the needs assessment, library staff gave written and oral surveys to patrons, organized focus groups, and compiled informal observations and existing data in order to understand user needs and the potential for the proposed program. From this they identified patron needs, which included: career-centered assistance (like resume and application help), social and government help (like citizenship and tax help), educational assistance (like homework help), enrichment and recreational activities, and various skill-based needs like computers and how to use the library and its resources. From these observations and conclusions, they were able to develop their needs assessment and the next steps that their library will take in order to achieve them.

Evaluation/Opinion: This resource can be useful to see how other libraries perform a needs assessment since that is one thing that can affect collection management decisions. Though this needs assessment is older (2010) it was done in response to the recession. Many libraries are dealing with decreases in budgets because of the current pandemic, so the two scenarios will have some similarities. I liked the suggestions about instruction that were mentioned, like marketing what the library already has to offer and to not do it alone (meaning you don’t have to create everything in-house and you can direct patrons to online tutorials that can be found elsewhere online). With dwindling budgets, tips like these will be especially useful for libraries nowadays.

Introductory Policy Writing in School Libraries

 Kami Whitlock

Abercrombie, S. (2018). Why do you need a collection development plan? Retrieved from https://knowledgequest.aasl.org/why-do-you-need-a-collection-development-plan/

Abercrombie explains the importance of a collection development plan in a school library. If written and used effectively, the plan can be a great advocacy tool and show the library programs support of the school’s mission. Also, the plan benefits the librarian when it comes to clarifying policies, book challenges, and her evaluation cycle. She explains including selection, deselection, and reconsideration policies. When writing a selection policy consider students needs for pleasure reading, curriculum support, and administrations direction for the school. A deselection policy makes selection possible. A collection must be weeded to be relevant. Finally, a reconsideration policy is necessary to protect the collection and student’s rights. Having a clear reconsideration policy gives the librarian a plan and protocol if/when a book is challenged.

 

This article gives insight into collection development policies at school libraries. Abercrombie quickly breaks down what selection, deselection, and reconsideration policies are and gives example of when each is necessary and what they entail. Creating or revamping library policy is prudent for librarians. This article is a great place to start for general information before doing a deep dive into policy writing.

What to Think About When Managing a Collection

 Kami Whitlock

Preschel Kalan, A. (2014). The practical librarian's guide to collection development. Retrieved from https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2014/05/20/the-practical-librarians-guide-to-collection-development/

 

Preschel shares her thought process while weeding and purchasing books. She first talks about the importance of knowing the library’s user population. She then shares her thought process while weeding. She suggests establishing priorities, checking statistics, examining the physical condition of books, and keeping guides current. She also shares tips for materials on different subjects. One take away from the article is to think of this process as ongoing. She is weeding and purchasing books as much as she can throughout the whole year. This gives her a chance to add additional copies of books that are in high demand and adapt frequently to users needs. To be successful in this, she must be very aware of her budget.

 

This article is meaningful for librarians who are new to collection development. Although the information in this article is brief, the points she suggests to think about are meaningful and useful. She gives practical examples and explainations of what to look for while making weeding and purchasing decisions.