Related Experiment Videos
A simple objective method for determining a dynamic journal collection
Bulletin of the Medical Library Association
|October 1, 1980
Summary
This study developed objective criteria for managing journal collections by analyzing usage data against space and cost constraints. Ranking journal density of use offers a practical method for optimizing library resources and identifying underutilized titles.
Area of Science:
- Library and Information Science
- Medical Librarianship
- Collection Management
Background:
- Libraries face challenges balancing user needs with budget and space limitations.
- Objective criteria are needed for dynamic collection development in medical libraries.
- Previous methods for journal collection assessment lacked quantitative rigor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop objective criteria for journal collection management.
- To relate quantitative use measures to space and cost constraints.
- To inform dynamic collection decisions for the Treadwell Library.
Main Methods:
- Collected and computerized one year of journal use data for a 647-title collection.
- Calculated 'density of use' by adjusting raw use data with shelf space requirements.
- Ranked titles by raw use and density of use, analyzing space and cost factors.
Main Results:
- Density of use ranking identified more valuable titles with fewer interlibrary loan implications.
- This method highlighted overlong journal runs suitable for pruning or microform conversion.
- Raw use ranking, while sensible, risked new titles and protected underused older ones.
Conclusions:
- A density of use metric provides a practical and financially sound approach to journal collection management.
- Continuous data collection and analysis are crucial for effective library inventory control.
- The developed method supports informed decision-making for optimizing library resources.