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Transformation of a print reference collection.

Frances A Delwiche¹, Nancy A Bianchi

¹Dana Medical Library, Butlington, VT 05405, USA. Frances.Delwiche@uvm.edu

Medical Reference Services Quarterly

|June 20, 2006

Summary

Academic medical libraries can revitalize neglected print collections by shrinking and improving them. This project enhanced the Dana Medical Library's reference collection for modern users, improving infrastructure and management practices.

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Area of Science:

Library and Information Science
Academic Medical Libraries
Collection Management

Background:

The Dana Medical Library faced challenges with an aged and neglected print reference collection.
A move to a smaller space necessitated a significant reduction and revitalization of the collection.

Purpose of the Study:

To describe the process of shrinking and revitalizing a print reference collection.
To detail quality improvements in the physical collection, infrastructure, and management practices.
To enhance the collection to meet 21st-century academic medical library user needs.

Main Methods:

A comprehensive and contemporary approach was employed for collection assessment and curation.
Physical collection elements were reviewed for relevance, condition, and usage.
Supporting infrastructure and collection management policies were updated.

Main Results:

A significantly smaller, yet more relevant and accessible, print reference collection was created.
Improvements were made to shelving, storage, and access points.
Updated collection management practices were implemented for ongoing maintenance and user support.

Conclusions:

The project successfully transformed an outdated collection into a valuable resource for a modern academic medical library.
Revitalization efforts improved the physical collection and supporting systems.
The approach provides a model for other institutions managing similar collections.

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