Rightsizing the Academic Library Collection

by Suzanne M. Ward

Overview

Ward identifies the challenges and proposes solutions to shaping physical collections for today's academic library. Filled with sage advice and ready-to-implement guidance, this book

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780838912980
Publisher:	American Library Association
Publication date:	12/08/2014
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	168
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Suzanne M. Wardretired in 2017 from the Purdue University Libraries in West Lafayette, Indiana. She published the first edition ofRightsizing the Academic Library Collectionin 2015. She has also written extensively on patron-driven acquisitions, publishingA Guide to Implementing and Managing Patron-Driven Acquisitionsin 2012 and making presentations on the topic both nationally and internationally. Her research interests included print retention issues and the use of e-books in academic libraries. Ward holds a BA from the University of California at Los Angeles, an AMLS from the University of Michigan, and an MA from the University of Memphis.

Editorial Reviews

★ 03/01/2015
Libraries, like the times, are a-changin'. Faced with decreased shelf and remote storage space along with a lack of funding or interest in adding more, format obsolescence, as well as unused and duplicate resources, the need to do something fundamental about collection size is critical in building and sustaining the academic library of the future. Ward (Purdue Univ.; A Guide to Implementing and Managing Patron-Driven Acquisitions) makes a solid case for collections that are based not on outdated "just in case'" models and large numbers of titles but actual demand and use. She advocates for the creation of collections that with deliberate selection and deselection criteria can be made into the right size for the institutions and populations the library supports. As a recognized leader in the area of collection management, Ward provides both strategic and practical advice for developing and implementing data-driven, rules-based projects that include print and electronic formats. The final chapter on the future of physical collections in academic libraries is especially thought provoking. VERDICT Recommended reading for all academic librarians and library managers.—Linda Frederiksen, Washington State Univ. Lib., Vancouver

Library Journal