This content reflects work done as part of the Indigenous Perspectives in School Librarianship (IPSL) grant funded by IMLS (RE-246303-OLS-20). Actual assignments may vary.

Module 6: Collection Analysis

It is important to understand the strengths and weakness of the current collection to make evidence-based decisions around future selection and deselection (weeding). There are several ways to evaluate the library collection based on your goals and needs. Both methods presented by Hughes-Hassell – the collection development analysis and the shelf audit for diversity and inclusion – are important ways to look at the collection. In this unit, you will practice both methods.

Module Objectives

Conduct a collection analysis that assesses the quality of the collection.

Think

Create

  • Complete Tool 9: Collection Development Analysis Worksheet from Hughes-Hassell (2020). You only need to complete one row of this form. (NOTE: To establish the median age of this area of the collection, consult the help guides for your library management software. If you can’t access this data, leave this field blank or write n/a. You can estimate cost using the average book prices if needed.)
  • Complete Tool 10: Shelf Audit for Diversity and Inclusion from Hughes-Hassell (2020).

Share

Upload your completed Tool 9 and 10 to the #6analysis channel. In your post, write a brief response to the activity, addressing the following, and then respond to at least two of your classmates:

  • What is your general reflection of the diversity audit experience?
  • Assume you completed the shelf audit for diversity for the entire collection (or at least did a much larger sampling), how would you use the information to make collection decisions?
  • What is the value of doing a diversity audit? Of having a diverse collection?

Grow

Share your takeaway from the module as well as any challenges you have experienced this week.