The collection will be supported by continuously evaluating the contents both qualitatively and quantitatively. The purpose of evaluation is to find “gaps” in the collection in specific subject area and to support a well-balanced collection considering the colleges and libraries mission statements. The collection should be evaluated systematically and on a regular basis by a combination of methods. Evaluation methods include:
- Observation of use patterns
- Formal questionnaire or survey of students and faculty to decide the nature of use and level of satisfaction
- Tracking the growth of the collection in whole and in parts, gauging the amount of use within specific subject area
- Annually reviewing resource sharing requests (ILL) made by students, faculty, and staff
- Reviewing holdings relative to adjustments in course and program offerings
- Analysis of usage statistics for online databases
- Material may also need to be shifted as programs change to other campuses