Reference in transition: a case study in reference collection development

Detmering, Robert; Sproles, Claudene

doi:10.1108/01604951211199146

Cited by 11 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…Then, many segue into the personnel or departments that can make reference collection development decisions. Often, there is mention of approval plans, subject specialists or general reference staff as selectors (Kroll, 1985; Stebelman, 1989; Bordeianu and Carter, 1996; Detmering and Sproles, 2012).…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

The votes are in: a process for selecting reference books and managing the reference budget

Collins

2016

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Purpose The purpose of this study is to describe the process that is used for selecting reference books and managing the reference budget at one academic library reference unit. While there have been articles written on reference collection development, none have explained the process in detail. Design/methodology/approach This paper describes the process used to select reference books via a voting system and how the budget is managed over ordering periods. Findings Using the system described, librarians can effectively manage a reference budget that fairly distributes resources across different subjects and gives selectors greater control of the resources they purchase. Originality/value This is a unique book selection and ordering system that has not been described in the literature.

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Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

The votes are in: a process for selecting reference books and managing the reference budget

Collins

2016

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“…The development of learning commons spaces has resulted in significant changes in traditional library collections, including decisions to weed or relocate physical collections, to transition from print to electronic collections and to develop collections to support new learning services, programs and collaborations (Brown et al , 2014; Detmering and Sproles, 2012).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Learning commons reference collections in ARL libraries

Pierard

Bordeianu

2016

RSR

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Purpose-This paper explores the changing role of the reference collection in learning commons at ARL member libraries. Design/Methodology/Approach-A 15 question survey was sent to managers at academic research libraries with membership in the Association of Research Libraries (ARL). Respondents were asked about their learning commons and reference collections. To increase the sample size, the researchers conducted phone interviews using the same questions with a random sample of individuals from the same target population. Findings-Most respondents had or were planning learning commons for their libraries. The role of reference collections varied. Of those who had retained a print reference collection, the majority believed them to be little-used. The researchers believe this may signal an end to a formerly cherished idea: the primacy of the reference collection within a library learning space. Research limitations/implications-This study involved a random sample of public service managers at North American ARL academic libraries. While the sample is believed to be representative of the broader population, findings may not be generalizable to all ARL libraries or to other academic libraries. Originality/value-Many papers have been written about information or learning commons spaces and their distinctive elements. Others have discussed the changing role of reference collections. This paper is unique in examining the changing role of the reference collection within learning commons spaces.

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“…Ebooks may be more dynamic than print books as Detmering and Sproles (2012) suggest especially in the case of electronic reference works, and ebooks do provide a means of making content available without taking up space; however, libraries still have to contend with the functionality of external platforms. Furthermore, what does ownership actually mean at this stage in the development of ebooks?…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Avoiding ebook “big deals”: alternatives to ebook backlists

Proctor

2013

New Library World

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Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to assert that libraries should actively seek and request alternatives to purchasing older ebook content rather than buying large ebook backlists. Currently publishers are offering the equivalent of the "big deal" with monographs through ebook backlists, and this is not a model that can or should be sustained by libraries. Design/methodology/approach -This paper discusses experience the author gained through evaluating major ebook backlist promotional offers from 2012 and 2013, reviews library literature concerning ebook use, and reviews current purchase methods such as patron-driven acquisition and firm ordering as alternatives to purchasing large ebook backlist packages. Findings -There does not appear to be agreement in library literature about use and preference for ebooks, but there does appear to be a consensus that users expect the availability of ebook content. However, that expectation is not reason enough to purchase older content in large quantities in a format that still has problematic limitations. Patron-driven acquisition and targeted firm ordering allow libraries to buy older content in ebook format with more information about the need for that content. Also, publishers should become more involved in offering alternatives to ebook backlist purchase models. Originality/value -This discussion sheds light on the fact that while the ebook format may be new, the content and the purchase models often are not. Libraries need to advocate for effective purchase models now rather than becoming dependent on publishers to provide content libraries already own.

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Reference in transition: a case study in reference collection development

Cited by 11 publications

References 8 publications

The votes are in: a process for selecting reference books and managing the reference budget

The votes are in: a process for selecting reference books and managing the reference budget

Learning commons reference collections in ARL libraries

Avoiding ebook “big deals”: alternatives to ebook backlists

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