Emerald | Collection Building

Interdisciplinarity on campus: how the publishing world is responding

Karen Lawson, Christine King, Tobie Matava — 2012-01-13 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to explore how the publishing world is responding to library collection development challenges posed by the growth of interdisciplinary studies programs. Design/methodology/approach – The first step in this study was a survey of the websites of selected ARL and all Oberlin Group university and college websites to determine those institutions that have a clearly identified Interdisciplinary program or majors. The authors then investigated the status of interdisciplinary collection development practices at these institutions. Finally the websites of reviewers, publishers, and vendors were surveyed to explore what tools are available to help librarians identify new interdisciplinary monographs. Findings – Rather than supplying formal interdisciplinary collection development support, most librarians rely on external resources to help identify interdisciplinary materials. As technology evolves publisher/vendor websites can provide librarians with the tools needed to conduct in-depth searches of their catalogs, thus aiding in the identification of interdisciplinary monographs for purchase. Originality/value – Building on previous scholarship about the growth of interdisciplinary studies and libraries, this paper extends the research by examining the tools available to help librarians bridge the gap created by new disciplinary formations and offers suggestions for publishers to enhance interdisciplinary selection.

When patrons call the shots: patron-driven acquisition at Brigham Young University

Rebecca Schroeder — 2012-01-13 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This paper seeks to provide evidence that patron-driven acquisition is a successful collection development tool. Design/methodology/approach – The study used cost, usage, and cost per use as measurements to compare patron-driven acquired print and electronic books with traditionally acquired print and electronic books to determine the success of five different patron-driven methods. Findings – The study found that usage is much higher and the cost and cost per use is lower for patron-driven acquisition methods than for traditional collection development methods. Originality/value – Collection development and acquisitions librarians can benefit from this research comparing traditional collection development methods with multiple patron-driven acquisitions methods to better manage their resources.

Butoh: a bibliography of Japanese avant-garde dance

Shea A. Taylor — 2012-01-13 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This article's aim is to provide an annotated bibliographic resource guide for scholars researching butoh and academic and research libraries with collection development areas specializing in modern dance and/or Asian studies. Butoh is a Japanese avant-garde dance form developed in 1959 as a reaction against Western influence in Japanese politics and culture. Butoh's founders, Tatsumi Hijikata and Kazuo Ohno, have created a dance movement that is growing in popularity in the USA, influencing psychology, fashion, music, art and architecture. Design/methodology/approach – Searches were performed using a variety of databases, catalogs and online sources in dance and videos were reviewed at the New York Public Library of Performing Arts. Findings – Unlike most modern dance forms, butoh does not have a specific technique that can be passed down from teacher to student, yet it has characteristics (e.g. extremely slow movements) that create the butoh “look”. Butoh collections are fairly small, which will appeal to organizations with small budgets. Originality/value – No other scholarly, annotated bibliography currently exists for those interested in researching or collecting information on butoh.

Reference in transition: a case study in reference collection development

Robert Detmering, Claudene Sproles — 2012-01-13 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to describe the ongoing process of weeding, streamlining, and transforming a very large, print-based reference collection at the University of Louisville's William F. Ekstrom Library, focusing in particular on the various issues involved in developing a more timely, focused, and electronic-oriented collection. Design/methodology/approach – Over the years, the Ekstrom Library reference collection evolved into a large, neglected, print-based collection that ignored current space needs and user preferences for digital sources. To address this, the reference department developed a new, cooperative approach to reference collection development and weeding to improve the user experience and address serious space issues. Findings – To achieve a more usable reference collection, the reference department needed to rethink the philosophy behind the collection and completely rewrite the collection development policy. These changes have facilitated the creation of a smaller, more user-friendly collection that embraces the digital environment. Originality/value – The article highlights problems and approaches to refocusing a reference collection in a time of transition, as physical library spaces continue to evolve and the value of a traditional reference collection appears increasingly uncertain.

Application of ICTs in collection development in private university libraries in Kenya

Syombua Kasalu, Joseph Bernard Ojiambo — 2012-01-13 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this study was to find out ways in which collection development practices in private university libraries in Kenya could be enhanced by the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs). Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on research that was carried out on the application of ICTs in collection development in selected private universities in Kenya. The study was done using a survey method. Three universities and a total of 72 respondents were purposively selected for the study. The respondents included librarians, faculty deans and postgraduate students from the three universities. Findings – The findings indicated that ICTs were available in all the three selected universities but their application in collection development was not adequate in ensuring efficiency and in making sure that the library collections are effective in meeting the needs of the users. Originality/value – With the changing information environment and users' information needs, libraries are being compelled to adopt ICTs in order to remain relevant and increase their value and meet the changing needs of the users. The paper recommends different ways of applying ICTs in all the processes of collection development to make the process more efficient and effective in meeting the needs of the users.

Building a Digital Repository Program with Limited Resources

2012-01-13 00:00:00.0

Understanding Healthcare Information

2012-01-13 00:00:00.0

Transforming Research Libraries for the Global Knowledge Society

2012-01-13 00:00:00.0

Editorial

2012-01-13 00:00:00.0

2011 Awards for Excellence

2012-01-13 00:00:00.0