Building library collections: it's still about the user

Abstract

PurposeTo address the need for dialogue between librarians, teachers and scholars in research institutions, as the information environment becomes increasingly complex.Design/methodology/approachA discussion of the impact of technology, budgets and collection storage practices on library users and their research patterns; examination of the methodologies for assessing that impact and continuing to meet user needs in a changing environment.FindingsDespite trends toward shared collections and a library of access rather than ownership, it is still necessary to develop careful knowledge of one's patrons and to shape one's collections and services to meet local needs.Practical implicationsLibraries must aggressively use focus groups, surveys and above all the personal relationship between faculty and library subject specialists to shape the development and management of their collections and the services they offer. These methods must shape not only one's title‐by‐title selection but one's larger, policy decisions and the overall configuration of one's collections.Originality/valueA broad assessment of the relationship between the new information landscape and the manner in which librarians and users communicate.