Collection Evaluation in Academic Libraries : A Practical Guide for Librarians

Collection Evaluation in Academic Libraries: A Practical Guide for Librarians equips academic collection managers to select and implement a method or several methods of evaluating their library collections. This book includes sections on four tools for evaluation: comparison to peer institutions, core lists, usage statistics from circulation and ILL, and citation analysis. Chapters on each of these approaches present the advantages and disadvantages of each method, instructions on data collection and analysis—with screenshots—and suggested action steps after completing the analysis. With a unique combination of step-by-step instructions and discussions of the purpose and role of data, this book provides an unusually thorough guide to collection evaluation. It will be indispensable for collection development librarians and anyone looking to strengthen the culture of assessment within the library.