Purpose & Goals

This proposal outlines a case study conducted by a working group aiming to explore opportunities for collaborative collection development using the GreenGlass tool across partner institutions. Focusing on area studies collections, specifically Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies (SEE), the study delves into the complexities of interdisciplinary collection assessment and the potential for collaboration within the UC System. Through analysis of collection overlaps and language-specific considerations, the study showcases how GreenGlass facilitates complex analysis, enabling informed decision-making for collection development strategies. The proposed presentation will detail the methodology, findings, and implications for future collaborative endeavors in academic library collections.

Design & Methodology

Utilizing Greenglass, the study analyzed three area studies collections as examples, focusing on Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies. Queries were devised to identify total collection items, assess duplication across UC campuses, and evaluate language-specific collection overlaps. The analysis encompassed historical collection strengths, interdisciplinary considerations, and future collection development priorities.

Findings

The analysis revealed significant collection overlaps, particularly in heavily collected languages such as Russian, German, and Polish. The study highlighted the potential for collaboration across UC campuses to create a shared, interdependent collection while avoiding unnecessary duplication. Language-specific considerations underscored the importance of tailored collection development strategies aligned with programmatic needs and scholarly research interests.

Action & Impact

The analysis revealed significant collection overlaps, particularly in heavily collected languages such as Russian, German, and Polish. The study highlighted the potential for collaboration across UC campuses to create a shared, interdependent collection while avoiding unnecessary duplication. Language-specific considerations underscored the importance of tailored collection development strategies aligned with programmatic needs and scholarly research interests.

Practical Implications & Value

The findings underscore the value of Greenglass as a tool for empowering selectors in collaborative collection development efforts. By facilitating data-driven decision-making, Greenglass enables institutions to optimize resource allocation, mitigate duplication, and enhance collection accessibility. The study proposes a framework for intercampus collaboration, emphasizing shared print collections and coordinated action plans to sustain excellence in academic library collections amidst budgetary constraints.