Collection analysis to enhance funding for research materials

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the use of the WorldCat Collection Analysis tool and other measurements to analyze the strengths of collections supporting doctoral programs in a Carnegie Class 1 research university in order to enhance budgetary support for these collections.

Design/methodology/approach

In 2006 the Colorado State University (CSU) Libraries were asked to assess the library's support of doctoral programs in 12 key discipline areas. Peer institutions were selected and permission was obtained to access relevant statistics from their collection at the Libraries using the Collection Analysis tool, and relevant metrics for analyzing journal holdings. Use of the metrics for analysis of monograph and journal holdings and comparison of holdings between institutions is examined.

Findings

This case study analyzes how results obtained through use of the Collection Analysis tool and measurements of journal holdings were integrated with results from the broader analysis to achieve a valid comparison between strengths of collections. The authors then look at how this analysis was translated into requests for additional funding for access to materials that would support doctoral level research.

Originality/value

This paper shows how currently available tools for collection management can be used to educate a university community about the budgetary requirements of building graduate research level collections and to make a case for increased funding to support these collections.

Citation

Culbertson, M. and Wilde, M. (2009), "Collection analysis to enhance funding for research materials", Collection Building, Vol. 28 No. 1, pp. 9-17. https://doi.org/10.1108/01604950910928466