16 Survey Results: Survey Questions and Responses
2. Is a process for regularly assessing library collections in place at your library? If so, is that process
formal, including an established procedure with dedicated staff and other resources? Or is it
informal, conducted ad hoc and with no set procedure? N=71
Yes, a process that contains both formal and informal elements is in place 35 49%
Yes, a formal process is in place 6 9%
Yes, an informal process is in place 6 9%
Not yet, but we are working on a process 21 30%
No, process is not in place, and we have no plans to implement one at this time 3 4%
Comments N=10
Both formal and informal N=4
Collecting data for the ARL and AAHSL statistics is a formal process each year, then additional data is
collected in a more informal way.
The Collection Assessment position is one year and three months old. We are formalizing more
processes and procedures, but some may remain informal (i.e., weeding).
The Libraries have an internal wiki page that has some information about strategies and local
procedures for accomplishing assessments.
We look at electronic usage stats before some renewals. We collect electronic usage statistics twice
a year. We are working toward using the data more for collections decisions. We conduct several
weeding/retention projects per year.
Formal process N=2
Monthly database renewal review in Collection Management Committee annual serials review
We have had a formal process for reporting on collections. We now have a new Director, A.D. for
Collections, and department head for Collections Strategy. We are in the process of developing new
assessment practices for the new leadership.
Informal process N=2
Our intention is to develop a formal and ongoing process for collection assessment.
We receive assessment requests from individual departments on campus, typically for accreditation
reports or new program proposals. Each request differs in what kind of statistics and other data are
needed, so it’s not possible to have a set procedure for that. Individual bibliographers sometimes
conduct collection assessments in their subject areas, but this is at their discretion and not a required
activity. Beyond that, I collect and ponder use statistics on an ongoing basis, and sometimes report on or
take action based on findings. Thus we have common activities, but no set procedures.
Working on a process N=2
Until his retirement last year, we had a professional librarian in the position of Collections Analyst. We
are currently planning a distributed model that will involve coordinated efforts of staff from various
library departments (more on this below).
We have been moving toward an evidence-based model for the past two years.
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