Atlantic Provinces Library Association 2021 Conference

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect seemingly every aspect of life, libraries are paying close attention to its impact on their collections. Specifically, libraries are experiencing a rapid evolution of their print collections, as students and patrons increasingly demand electronic resources amid virtual learning and restrictions on physical buildings.
 
While libraries are constantly working to ensure their collections and services are meeting the needs of the continually evolving—and unique—expectations of their users, the need to address the print collection has never been more evident. And the reasons are many: For some, acquisition funds need to shift to electronic resources. For others, there is a need to re-evaluate physical space requirements to provide ample study space. Serials typically make up a significant portion of a library’s collection but are often left out of a print collection analysis. However, making few evidence-based serials deselection decisions about long title runs can recoup a lot of physical space.
In this session, attendees will learn innovative and practical ways libraries have leveraged collection analysis data to improve their library’s impact and sustainability, including navigating their response to the declining use of print monographs, managing their print serials, re-evaluating space for social distancing, and understanding collection diversity. 
 
Inaction—or simply putting off collection management decisions—inevitably leads to larger problems that are more time-consuming and expensive to solve. Learn how a proper collection analysis empowers libraries to make evidence-based decisions regarding the future of their collection.