Section IV - Collection Evaluation
Section IV Collection Evaluation and Assessment
- Revised January 2003
The library collection needs continuous evaluation in order to keep on
target with the Library's mission to provide diverse cultural opportunities
for reading, learning, and entertainment to all citizens of our community.
Collection evaluation and maintenance is a high priority job duty for
library managers. Statistical tools such as circulation reports, collection
turnover rates, and State Library reports should be used to determine
how the collection is being used and how it should change to answer patron
needs. The materials themselves should be assessed for their physical
condition and their use.
Qualitative standards include checking subject areas against standard
bibliographic tools and recommended subject lists to be sure that the
Library is acquiring recommended materials. Patron input and community/user
surveys should also be used to aid in the evaluation of the library materials
collection.
Through these ongoing methods the library managers and director can monitor
the collection to see that it is serving its public. The Collection Development
Policy should be reviewed as needed to insure a document that continues
to answer the needs of the Library and its community.
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