How We Used to Build the Future: 30 Years of Collection Development Trends

Expediting the delivery of content to library users: When to buy versus when to borrow

“…Instead of guessing what users need and buying materials for the collection, libraries have begun obtaining materials at the point-of-need (Goedeken & Lawson, 2015). And, increasingly, academic libraries are being measured less by what they own and more by what they can provide access to (Appleton et al, 2016). It could be said that the paradigm is shifting from "does the library have this item?"…”

“…The threat of shrinking monograph budgets requires libraries to rely more heavily upon leased content available through subscription packages, which provide the lowest cost per title, and therefore, understanding the access-versus-ownership implications and having a plan in place has become imperative (Schroeder & Boughan, 2018). Current library trends, at least from 2005 to present, emphasize DDA and "Big Deal" subscription journal packages (Appleton et al, 2016). And, ultimately, libraries are working to transform a perceived dead end in a catalog into an access opportunity (Scott & Barton, 2018).…”

“…Sometimes ILL transactions can happen much more quickly than a purchase, too, depending upon the request and how long it might take to receive it, particularly if it is in a digital format (Appleton et al, 2016). ILL requests may be able to tell you broadly about disciplines wherein the library's holdings need to be bolstered, if one thinks in terms of strengthening subject areas instead of buying specific titles (Barton et al, 2018).…”