Developing a collection development policy which really meets the need of library clients requires a total rethink of priorities in the new information era. This manual provides a useful starting point to begin a strategic rethink with the focus fully on the advantages of user-driven acquisition (UDA). Over time, models of collection development arose which built large book and journal collections with the purpose of creating comprehensive collections in certain areas. This is no longer possible to do in any meaningful way. Taking into account the location of users, formats, modes of access and both broad and specific collection needs, it becomes sensible to address some of these requirements with UDAs.
This book is one of the Practical Guides for Librarians series which is an innovative series providing practical guidance on current issues in librarianship. This volume takes a practical approach to assessment and implementation of UDA beginning by defining the issue. It then provides a series of essays which flesh out the many ways the topic can be explored, including providing diverse case-studies. The many models of UDA are described, including demand-driven acquisition (DDA), patron-driven acquisition (PDA), evidence-based acquisition (EBA), inter-library loan purchase on demand (ILL-PoD), pay-per-view (PPV) and various consortia plans.
The book is divided into three sections. The first looks at the key ways of approaching collection development planning with UDA included, taking a Project Management approach, looking at the budget implications and negotiating with vendors. The second section looks specifically at the mode of selecting e-Books, including DDA, EBA and consortia purchasing. Finally the third section looks at specific types of libraries and collections, with reference in particular to public, special and video libraries. It revisits models of ILLs through PoD, Video Streaming using PPV and PDA models with other print materials. These case studies all provide useful real-life scenarios, including preparing the planning process, launching, trialling and evaluating programs.
Throughout the book there are practical checklists of things to consider in planning for UDA, as well as tables, including a vendor list. Two library surveys are included in the appendices and each chapter provides useful references and further reading. The final section is a magnifying glass into the future. Taking into account trials and evaluation so far, the authors succinctly provide suggestions for their vision of the direction in which each model is likely to move.
The authors are variously experienced in acquisitions, e-resource librarianship and collection development. The variety of their examples shows that they have considered all facets of the topic in a practical methodology. This book is a handbook for those moving into UDA and for those involved in revising collection development policies for the new age.
Westbourne Grammar School
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© 2016 Catherine Ryan
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00048623.2016.1236395