Collection Analysis Using Circulation, ILL, and Collection Data

Abstract

This article provides information on a study which was initiated to compile statistics for collection development decision making at the University of Colorado at Boulder (CU). Some of the factors in decision making that are of current importance at CU, as of December 2004, are remote storage and budget cuts. The combination of such factors has made efficient collection management increasingly important. Like many university libraries, the libraries' shelves have been filled to capacity. In 1998, CU began a remote storage project. To date, approximately 425,000 volumes are stored in a share remote storage facility in Denver. There has also been much interest from OCLC Online Computer Library Center Inc. members in studies utilizing WorldCat holding data. Such studies in progress at the OCLC Office of Research include library collection comparisons with gap/overlap analyses, identification of unique or last copy, and the determination of intellectual or audience level derived from type of library holdings and a weighted formula. CU is a Research I, doctoral-granting institution with 26,400 full-time employees. The CU Libraries hold approximately 3 million volumes. Used at the university is an Innovative Interfaces integrated library system for circulation and a CLIO database to track interlibrary loan data.