“Gauging uniqueness”: Assessment in special collections

• Main Authors: Barsaga, Agnes S., Vallente, Robert D., Vinzon-Co, Minette R.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2019
• Subjects: Libraries—Philippines—Special collections; Collection Development and Management; Library and Information Science
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/9314
• Institution: De La Salle University

Purpose -This paper examines the Special Collections book holdings of De La Salle University Libraries, which aims the following: 1) to profile the book holdings of the SC; 2) to identify the strength and weakness of the collection; 3) to examine the utilization of the collection, and; 4) to determine the uniqueness and rarity of the book collection by comparing the SC book titles to the online catalog of University of the Philippines. The results of this study will provide statistical data that may be used in crafting guidelines for acquisitions, weeding and budget allocations for special collections. Methodology - This study uses collection assessment through collection-centered techniques by counting the holdings of the SC book collections. Google curling was used to gauge the uniqueness of the book collection. Findings - Collection assessment provides statistical data that is useful for libraries. A total of 79,735 volumes of special collection books will be analyzed in the study. By reviewing the profile of the collection, circulation and usage statistics through collection centered quantitative collection analysis, the libraries measure the worth its resources. This assessment allows to promote, measure and demonstrate the impact of its holdings, become visible to its users and to craft guidelines for acquisitions, weeding and budget allocations for special collections. Originality/value - This paper is the first attempt to assess the book holdings of the DLSU Special Collections