Implementing Collection Life Cycle Management

In a time of increasing physical collection space pressures and rapidly evolving higher education institutions, a holistic understanding of the collection life cycle, a strategic approach to collection development and retention, and increased stakeholder engagement is needed. Some librarians struggle with what materials to withdraw, especially if there is faculty opposition, and how to move forward collaboratively. This article will explore leveraging the experience of leading the local culture shift in a large Association of Research Library, the principles, policies and methods required to shift mental models towards what must be retained, facilitating withdrawal decisions, and connecting collection development with ongoing collection management.