SPEC Kit 347: Community-based Collections · 15
description of collections, as traditionally practiced
by archives and repositories, to a multifocal process
that includes the voices of the community. This takes
a variety of collection management forms the majority
of community-based collections are treated similarly
to other library acquisitions, while a smaller number
of libraries (~20%) are experimenting with innovative
peer-to-peer forms of engagement.
The low survey response rate coupled with the
relatively recent acquisition of the reported collec-
tions suggests that this is new territory for ARL mem-
ber institutions. The generosity and intensity of the
responses received on this survey point to this as
an important, growing area for research libraries to
watch in the near future. One can also infer from
the responses that the libraries’ traditional strengths
of service, preservation, and access are assets in the
acquisition of community-based collections. Yet, aca-
demic research libraries seem to lack widespread ex-
pertise and resources in community stewardship and
could benefit from looking toward similar cultural
stewards outside of peer institutions. This SPEC Kit
aims to provide important documentation and sup-
port for conversations between libraries, archives,
and other cultural entities about developing sustain-
able models to preserve and support community and
cultural heritage.
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