2019 Charleston Library Conference

A challenging aspect of the collection management process is effectively communicating with stakeholders about library resources. Communication can range from obtaining patron feedback integral in collection planning to effective messaging elaborating on collection budgets and cancellation decisions. It has also become increasingly necessary to explain the various acquisition models that affect the landscape of library content and use of electronic resources. In this session, the University of South Florida will present the results of a survey of the approaches used in academic library websites to communicate collection policies along with related considerations, statistics and data, justifications, and factors affecting selection practices. Information about the important elements used to construct a dialog with faculty and administration in order to demonstrate the costs and value of library resources to those in the academic community is included.This session will also present a case study demonstrating the practical implementation of these communication principles. The study will show how Mines Library was able to break free from a cycle of collection stagnation, which was perpetuated by a lack of effective communication. The result was that the Mines Library was able to tell a story with data in order to communicate a message, as well as strengthen their partnerships with faculty regarding collection management.Session attendees will acquire information on the scope of methods used to communicate with stakeholders and elements of effective messaging regarding library collection management.