Collection Management in Academic Libraries (2nd ed.)

Citation

Foster, B. (2000), "Collection Management in Academic Libraries (2nd ed.)", New Library World, Vol. 101 No. 4, pp. 193-196. https://doi.org/10.1108/nlw.2000.101.4.193.1

The second edition of this comprehensive text provides a practical and positive overview of collection management practice and policy in academic libraries. It is written by experts and senior university librarians from the UK and the USA. The writers have been influenced by the changes impacting on the academic world and the library profession in general. There are a number of economic constraints decreasing actual purchasing power. Growth in student numbers, increasing demands from those students due to curriculum changes and methods of learning combined with increased user expectations based on technological developments impact on the need for the collection manager to be flexible in developing an increasingly diverse library collection. This book provides excellent support to the reader by including chapters on document delivery strategies, electronic information management, disaster planning, learning support and planning for the information needs of the future. Although electronic information provision is central to users in the academic world the writers recognise the continuing importance of books and printed material and do not neglect this area, though they are mindful of changing priorities. There is an awareness of the increasing need for accountability and the need to provide value for money services covered in the chapters on finance and budgeting and performance indicators.

It is an easily readable book with the chapters placed in a logical sequence for reading cover to cover, yet retaining its usefulness as a bench manual for the working library manager. Much of the information on policies and procedures is transferable to libraries other than academic, giving it a broad readership. This is an important quality book suitable for library managers and students alike, giving practical yet progressive advice for anyone with interest in the diverse field of collection management.