Abstract

In 2013–2014, James Madison University (JMU) Libraries embarked on an endeavor to create a flexible, holistic model for developing, managing, and assessing collections. The effort began by surveying what qualitative and quantitative data was being collected that could inform big‐picture questions about whether library collections were meeting evolving campus research needs. The investigation included an in‐depth literature review, the launch, evaluation, and adoption of several pilot projects, and ultimately the construction of an evaluation rubric and disciplinary subject snapshots that articulate both the impact of collections and potential gaps within them at institutional and departmental levels.

In order to remain agile as the pieces were built, JMU took an iterative pilot approach that included collapsing siloed funds, revising allocations, and implementing a structured multi‐year campus‐wide continuing‐resources review. The process also included the adoption and evaluation of contemporary content development methods, including a consortial DDA program, curation of local digital collections, and hosting of campus research and open access publications.

These proceedings detail the results of this two‐year venture and the mechanisms developed for expressing a holistic value of collections to stakeholders.

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Changing the Conversation: Using Agile Approaches to Develop and Assess Collections Holistically

In 2013–2014, James Madison University (JMU) Libraries embarked on an endeavor to create a flexible, holistic model for developing, managing, and assessing collections. The effort began by surveying what qualitative and quantitative data was being collected that could inform big‐picture questions about whether library collections were meeting evolving campus research needs. The investigation included an in‐depth literature review, the launch, evaluation, and adoption of several pilot projects, and ultimately the construction of an evaluation rubric and disciplinary subject snapshots that articulate both the impact of collections and potential gaps within them at institutional and departmental levels.

In order to remain agile as the pieces were built, JMU took an iterative pilot approach that included collapsing siloed funds, revising allocations, and implementing a structured multi‐year campus‐wide continuing‐resources review. The process also included the adoption and evaluation of contemporary content development methods, including a consortial DDA program, curation of local digital collections, and hosting of campus research and open access publications.

These proceedings detail the results of this two‐year venture and the mechanisms developed for expressing a holistic value of collections to stakeholders.