Assessing an integrated government documents collection

Abstract

Purpose -This paper proposes describing the collection assessment process adapted to fit the integrated government documents collection at Jacksonville State University's Houston Cole Library. Design/methodology/approach -This paper is based on the Library's experience conducting an assessment of its integrated government documents collection using an adaptation of the WLN conspectus method. Findings -The author describes the adaptations made, obstacles overcome, results of the assessment, and conclusions drawn from it. Practical implications -As a result of this assessment, procedures were established for future assessments of the collection, and the results of the assessment were used to aid in the selection process. Originality/value -This paper provides a model for conducting an assessment of an integrated government documents collection that other libraries can follow and fills a gap in the literature of government documents collection management.