A Systematic Plan for Managing Physical Collections at the University of Arizona Libraries

Abstract

To address the lack of space for continued expansion of the collections, the University of Arizona Libraries have developed a systematic process and timeline for the ongoing management of the physical collections of information resources. This article discusses the evaluative criteria and parameters for deselection that were developed and demonstrates how they were integrated into a 5-year plan for managing the collections. The process was designed to have the least negative impact on our customers while allowing for the flexible use of physical space. The article will also highlight the successes and challenges of developing and implementing the plan.

KEYWORDS:

• library space management
• collection management
• print collections analysis
• deselection
• systematic planning

Acknowledgments

© Jim Martin, Hitoshi Kamada, and Mary Feeney