ARL’s Collection Analysis Project: continuing feasibility for a medium‐sized academic library

Abstract

Mabee Library at Washburn University, Topeka, USA, has just completed year two of a three‐year strategic plan. One area of emphasis in 2002 was collection development. The library wanted to assess its current collection development strategy and review best practices to ensure it was keeping up with the needs of users and adequately addressing the impacts of digital information. The Association of Research Libraries’ (ARL) Collection Analysis Project (CAP) was the chosen assessment tool, in part because of its solid reputation, and also to help ARL test CAP’s continued viability. CAP’s broad emphasis on historical and environmental factors has proven both timeless enough, and inclusive enough, to be used by this non‐ARL library and to facilitate a discussion of the impact of technology. The research, data collection, and report writing, however, combine to make CAP a labour‐intensive ten‐month process not to be entered into lightly. Reports on one library’s recent experience with CAP, its value in examining staffing, budgeting, and assessment for collection development, and implications for other similar‐sized institutions.

Citation

Guise, J. and Feinmark, D. (2003), "ARL’s Collection Analysis Project: continuing feasibility for a medium‐sized academic library", Library Management, Vol. 24 No. 6/7, pp. 332-336. https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120310486057