No Dust in the Stacks: Creating a Customized Local Serials Collection on the Fly

Abstract

Purpose

The authors present analysis of journal evaluations in creating a customized serials collection specific to veterinary medicine. Readers may apply techniques used for the veterinary medicine library to their own subject specific collections.

Methodology/approach

A review of research in journal evaluations and collection assessment was conducted with emphasis on veterinary medicine. This chapter provides a detailed critique of research on journal evaluations for academic libraries as well as the authors’ customized approach in creating a subject specific core journal list for a veterinary medicine library.

Findings

By utilizing the current research in evaluating library journal collections, librarians can customize their own approach to create core journal lists specific to the academic departments they serve, allowing for a more effective serials collection.

Originality/value

Collection assessment and development differs according to user groups based on local needs. Librarians can develop collection development plans specific to their subject areas by using national standards along with local qualitative and quantitative data.

Citation

Marshall, D., Crawford, L.S. and Harker, K. (2016), "No Dust in the Stacks: Creating a Customized Local Serials Collection on the Fly", Innovation in Libraries and Information Services (Advances in Library Administration and Organization, Vol. 35), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 277-288. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0732-067120160000035019