SPEC Kit 337: Print Retention Decision Making · 117
PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
Collection Retention Working Group: Report and Recommendations
7
picture and long-term implications need to be emphasized, not only of what we have
digitized from our own collections, but what we are now purchasing from other sources.
Microforms collections: Oversight of microforms collections should be managed
centrally to achieve more effective use of space, related equipment, especially as discovery
for these collections has improved, or could be improved through cataloging, and the
expanding availability of digital alternatives. More consistent decisions about the use and
retention of microforms are needed.
Media collections: There is no policy or clear responsibility for the oversight and long-
term preservation and access or plan to re-format or view media in outmoded formats.
Close attention to appropriate equipment for long-term usability is needed.
Formerly distinguished collections (collections which are no longer of local importance
or used), including these examples:
Australian/New Zealand collection—is this a collection of distinction that should
be retained in the University Libraries collection?
Donor collections, endowment purchases, and book-plated collections—how will
we address these holdings over time? For example, Behrend’s Lincoln
Collection (a local book-plated collection) no longer supports instruction or
research
Materials purchased to support academic programs no longer emphasized in the
curriculum (e.g., Supreme Court collections on microfilm local government
collection donated by a professor, or the historical corporate report collection on
microfiche).
Gift materials may be costly collections to house over time and should be scrutinized
with the same care as purchased/licensed resources for their role and contribution to
strengthening the Libraries collections, supporting the curriculum, and enhancing our
partnerships and agreements with other libraries.
Trusted Repositories and the PSUL Collections
The Space Consultants Report recognized there is a need for education and comprehensive
discussions about collection management and annexing issues, especially in regards to
developing trust in cooperative archiving.8 We need to find ways to advance how we consider
and manage our collections from the very beginning of the acquisition/selection process, not
just once our stacks and buildings are full to the brim.
As we educate ourselves and develop our understanding about local usage patterns, collection
strengths, and space concerns, we will also better understand how best to use our library spaces
8 Boomgarten and Straley, pp. 36-37.
PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
Collection Retention Working Group: Report and Recommendations
7
picture and long-term implications need to be emphasized, not only of what we have
digitized from our own collections, but what we are now purchasing from other sources.
Microforms collections: Oversight of microforms collections should be managed
centrally to achieve more effective use of space, related equipment, especially as discovery
for these collections has improved, or could be improved through cataloging, and the
expanding availability of digital alternatives. More consistent decisions about the use and
retention of microforms are needed.
Media collections: There is no policy or clear responsibility for the oversight and long-
term preservation and access or plan to re-format or view media in outmoded formats.
Close attention to appropriate equipment for long-term usability is needed.
Formerly distinguished collections (collections which are no longer of local importance
or used), including these examples:
Australian/New Zealand collection—is this a collection of distinction that should
be retained in the University Libraries collection?
Donor collections, endowment purchases, and book-plated collections—how will
we address these holdings over time? For example, Behrend’s Lincoln
Collection (a local book-plated collection) no longer supports instruction or
research
Materials purchased to support academic programs no longer emphasized in the
curriculum (e.g., Supreme Court collections on microfilm local government
collection donated by a professor, or the historical corporate report collection on
microfiche).
Gift materials may be costly collections to house over time and should be scrutinized
with the same care as purchased/licensed resources for their role and contribution to
strengthening the Libraries collections, supporting the curriculum, and enhancing our
partnerships and agreements with other libraries.
Trusted Repositories and the PSUL Collections
The Space Consultants Report recognized there is a need for education and comprehensive
discussions about collection management and annexing issues, especially in regards to
developing trust in cooperative archiving.8 We need to find ways to advance how we consider
and manage our collections from the very beginning of the acquisition/selection process, not
just once our stacks and buildings are full to the brim.
As we educate ourselves and develop our understanding about local usage patterns, collection
strengths, and space concerns, we will also better understand how best to use our library spaces
8 Boomgarten and Straley, pp. 36-37.
