TY  - JOUR
AB  - Purpose– The purpose of this article is to describe the ongoing process of weeding, streamlining, and transforming a very large, print‐based reference collection at the University of Louisville's William F. Ekstrom Library, focusing in particular on the various issues involved in developing a more timely, focused, and electronic‐oriented collection.Design/methodology/approach– Over the years, the Ekstrom Library reference collection evolved into a large, neglected, print‐based collection that ignored current space needs and user preferences for digital sources. To address this, the reference department developed a new, cooperative approach to reference collection development and weeding to improve the user experience and address serious space issues.Findings– To achieve a more usable reference collection, the reference department needed to rethink the philosophy behind the collection and completely rewrite the collection development policy. These changes have facilitated the creation of a smaller, more user‐friendly collection that embraces the digital environment.Originality/value– The article highlights problems and approaches to refocusing a reference collection in a time of transition, as physical library spaces continue to evolve and the value of a traditional reference collection appears increasingly uncertain.
VL  - 31
IS  - 1
SN  - 0160-4953
DO  - 10.1108/01604951211199146
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1108/01604951211199146
AU  - Detmering Robert
AU  - Sproles Claudene
PY  - 2012
Y1  - 2012/01/01
TI  - Reference in transition: a case study in reference collection development
T2  - Collection Building
PB  - Emerald Group Publishing Limited
SP  - 19
EP  - 22
Y2  - 2024/04/20
ER  -