Collection Development Guidance through Reference Inquiry Analysis: A Study of Map Library Patrons and Their Needs

摘要

Collection usefulness can be analyzed through reference questions when circulation data is not available. A content analysis of reference questions in an academic map library was conducted and the queries examined for subject, geography, and user status over a six-year period. The study found that local information was overwhelmingly the most requested type of information regardless of patron type, and topographic and historical information were found to be the most requested subjects. Many levels of collection management can make use of this study's results, from standard collection building to de-accessioning to digitization priorities.