From acquisitions to collection management: mere semantics or an expanded framework for libraries?

Abstract

Purpose

The literature on collection development largely discusses all kinds of managerial and practical issues. However, there appear to be gaps in LIS literature regarding tracing the semantic developments of the subject. The paper attempts to explore the relationship between the use of varying collection‐related terminologies and ever‐emerging forms of scholarly publishing in libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive review of the available literature was made to illustrate the impact of the developments in both production and formats of information sources on libraries' collection related patterns and expressions since the last quarter of the twentieth century.

Findings

It was found that the related emerging terminology has been expanding rapidly because of the direct impact of the never‐ending developments, though with different pace in different countries. The varying use pattern reflects the expansion in the aims and ways of functioning of a modern library.

Originality/value

The paper falls in the category of “literature review” and provides an overview of the connection between developments in theory and practice of collection managing aspects.

Citation

Ameen, K. (2006), "From acquisitions to collection management: mere semantics or an expanded framework for libraries?", Collection Building, Vol. 25 No. 2, pp. 56-60. https://doi.org/10.1108/01604950610658865