Evaluating library collections: a literature review

Abstract

This article aims to encourage librarians to be more informed about the value of collection evaluation. Because collection evaluations help librarians better realize what materials are in their collections, and how they are meeting their collection development goals, it is seen as one important measure of collection development. In the methodology, various collection evaluation methods including usercentered evaluation, physical assessment, specific subject support and citation analysis are explored. These methods are very useful to librarians because they guide them on successful collection management, financial resource management and effective format selection. The method of selective review was employed to identify, document and present the relevant literature in a structured and annotated way. It is recommended that academic and research libraries should evaluate their collections to assess their adequacy and quality, and if they meet user needs.

Keywords: collection evaluation, collection development, librarians, collection management