2013 Charleston Conference

Libraries are increasingly called upon to efficiently use collection dollars in creative ways. Content needs are ever increasing and with the growing range of format and delivery options, finding means to identify resources that provide unique or added value is essential. The objective of the session is to outline library data needs and vendor data provision goals. This session is a must for libraries seeking new solutions with their vendors to maximize value from large package offers.

Libraries regularly receive offers of sale or reduced pricing for the purchase of multi-title collections. Most often these packages are for online content that the library may already have in print. In an environment of multiple formats, ISBNs and/or ISSNs per title, variable titles, and alternate imprint or co-publishing, identifying the unique or duplicated holdings of library collections becomes a challenge.

The knowledgebases supporting booksellers, serials agents and discovery tool providers strive to do a good job of linking content available in different formats or on different platforms. Although these vendors provide alternate format, title, provider, imprint data on a title by title basis, none of the tools provide the Library customer with the ability to easily compare aggregate data held in the knowledgebase with data extracted from publishers title list.
We intend to conduct a poll of attendees to discover data needs, followed by a brief discussion of how this data is required to support collection acquisition decisions. Suggested solutions used by attendees will be welcomed.

Attendees will come away from the session with an understanding of the power and functional limitations of major leading edge tools available to help guide collection management and acquisitions decisions. We aim to provide practical examples of how to use the tools available to make wise spending decisions with collections funds.