Title‐by‐Title Review in Reference Collection Development

Abstract

Keeping a reference collection current and useful can be an arduous task. It is necessary to establish principles of collection development and determine a method for periodically reviewing the titles in the collection. This review, if systematically conducted on a title‐by‐title basis for all reference sources, can have far‐ranging benefits. Among these are a reduction in the size of the collection in terms of titles, volumes, and linear shelving space; an increase in the manageability of serial and non‐serial titles; a staff more proficient and knowledgeable concerning the scope and depth of the collection; and a clientele better served through improved reference assistance.