Serving the whole person: popular materials in academic libraries

Abstract

PurposeThis paper seeks to provide support and direction for academic libraries collecting popular materials.Design/methodology/approachThis paper offers a case study format supplemented by statistical and descriptive analyses.FindingsThe paper presents literature and case history‐based information on the debate surrounding popular materials collection in academic libraries. The case study provides concrete, cost‐effective steps for academic libraries to use in building popular materials collections.Practical implicationsThe authors make the case for support of popular materials collections through detailed evaluation of circulation records.Originality/valueThis paper offers a level of statistical analysis of circulation records unique to the library literature on popular materials collection. It also provides a distinctive case history of the evolution of a successful collection and includes easily adaptable steps.