Assessment of Library Collections in a Consortial Environment : Experiences from Ohio

The consortial environment provides librarians with new ways to manage collections at their home institutions. Academic libraries in Ohio have been participating in OhioLINK since 1988, and the consortium has had an effect on shaping local collections for more than one decade. While each institution pursues its own collection management strategy, the shared resources and delivery system provided through OhioLINK influence local collections profoundly. What has been the effect? This work is a collection of articles assessing local collections within a consortial environment. The authors assess collections from their own vantage points, considering such diverse factors as cost, regional depositories, book reviews, and faculty input. The influence of consortial ties in shaping local collections is a common thread throughout the work.

This book was published as a special issue of Collection Management.

George Lupone is Librarian Emeritus at Cleveland State University, serving as a consultant and engaging in professional service activities. Prior to his retirement, he was Associate Director at Cleveland State for many years, overseeing the assessment of library collections, services, and student learning outcomes using national standard instruments, focus groups, and local tools.