Making your collections work for you: collection evaluation myths & realities

摘要

Ten myths surrounding evaluation of library collections are debunked and the realities explored, especially those that can subvert the success of strategic planning for the collections. To make collections work pay off for a library and its users, librarians need to gain profound knowledge of their collections and know how they are used. Fundamental to success in these endeavors is evaluating the collections on a regular basis and using the results to build better collections for the future. Establishing what "good" is in objective terms and ways of measuring them is discussed. Using the results to gain friends and influence people toward the library is described. Readers are urged to do all they can to turn this potential into reality.