Purpose:
This is a case study showing how the University of York designed a framework to identify, categorise and “tag” library print book collections based on analysis of their characteristics, subject focus, uniqueness and use level.
The framework provides a formal structure through which to understand the collections, to inform and prioritise local library actions and – potentially - to support wider collaborative collection management discussions and decisions.
The Higher Education (HE) Library Collection Management community is currently exploring the potential of collaborative working across shared print retention scenarios. The building of collaborative collections is dependent on commitments agreed between trusted partners. The agreements need to ensure the retention of “last available” or rare or unique items of value to the institution and/or the wider community. This information needs to be readily available in an accessible and searchable format through the “categorisation” or “tagging” of items.
Findings:
The collections review process identified stock considered of particular value to York, appropriate for permanent retention, and potentially a priority for preservation and promotion. A process was successfully developed for tagging items at both an item and bibliographic level.
Matrices relating to level of stock use, period since acquisition and rarity were developed for three alternative categorisations, (potentially informing future decisions around location, and level of access and review period for stock.)
The outcome of applying the categorisation framework reflected a research intensive post graduate focused library containing some of York’s particular collection strengths, with a “long tail” of material with low, infrequent use.
Research or practical limitations or implications:
The practical implications of this pilot have the potential to be useful in collaborative schemes at local and national level.
Conclusions:
The pilot project led to the development of an action plan for the branch library, and it informs subsequent discussions regarding the roll out the framework across the main University library collections.
The work also informs ongoing discussions with regional partners in regard to identifying a shared lexicon and understanding of collections categorisation and its input to collaborative collection management developments.
Originality and value:
The case study will be of interest to libraries in exploring new ways to approach collection management issues, and in contributing to discussions around collaborative collections communities.
Collections , Data , Usage , Frameworks
