Collection Management involves de-selection (weeding) as well as selection.
The criteria listed below may be used to justify adding
or removing a resource from the collection. These criteria account
for the fact that a resource may be selected at one point in time,
whereas it would not be selected at another. As the collection grows,
the coverage and balance of the collection will change, and
this may affect the selection process.
The criteria are listed in the main headings and the left hand column.
The right hand column contains some hints and checks that
might help to discern whether a resource meets with a particular criterion.
Collection Coverage and Balance
|
|
-
What's already in the collection?
-
What is the relative value of the resource in comparison with others already
in the collection?
-
Is the information unique within the context of the total collection or
does it duplicate?
|
-
Do a search to avoid duplication
-
Browse to see which areas are well covered - identify gaps in the
collection
|
Availability of Internet Resources
|
|
-
What's available outside the collection?
-
What is the relative value or the resource in comparison with others available
on this topic? Is there similar/better subject material available?
-
Does the site contain information that is not readily available?
|
-
Look for other resources with value added to the information
|
Availability of Library Resources
|
|
-
What's available via other information sources?
-
Does the resource provide access to information that is not easily obtained
in other formats/not held in many libraries?
-
Does the resource provide access to information that users may not be able
to find/get access to in libraries?
|
-
Look for resources which compliment existing information/library collections
|