USU Librarian Publishes Book on Collection Development

Along with many other public and private entities, Utah State University’s Quinney Library is pursuing academic and technological innovation while painstakingly working to stretch every dollar.

“Our library’s mission reflects and supports that of the College of Natural Resources and the university,” says Susanne Clement, director of a USU treasure known by its full name as the S.J. and Jessie E. Quinney Natural Resources Research Library.

Located on the south wing of the Natural Resources building, the Quinney Library houses a wealth of digital and print collections supporting natural resources and environmental science studies and research. Fully supported by the Quinney Foundation, its holdings include an extensive collection of recent and historical regional images.

“We really are a ‘hidden jewel’ on campus,” Clement says. “And what many don’t realize is our facility is open to the entire USU community, as well as residents of Cache Valley.”

Developing and maintaining a collection relevant to a university’s research needs on a tight budget is a challenge, she says. In response, Clement, with colleague Jennifer Foy of Utah’s Westminster College, authored and compiled “Collection Development in a Changing Environment: Policies and Organization for College and University Libraries.” Recently published by the Association of College and Research Libraries, the digital publication highlights collection development and management policies for a diverse range of college and university libraries.

“The ways libraries acquire new materials has changed drastically as technology has changed, university degree programs have evolved and budgets have been slashed,” Clement says. “Each discipline is different and libraries have to respond quickly to changing needs. Therefore, it’s critical for each library to have clearly defined collection policies tailored to their institution’s specific mission.”

Clement’s e-book features hyperlinked excerpts of policies from more than 60 university libraries. While researching the book, she and Foy contacted more than 200 different types of academic libraries and reviewed more than 100 institutional policies.

“No one wants to track down and read every policy,” she says. “So, we’ve condensed and organized the material to make it easier for librarians to access helpful information relevant to their particular needs.”

Organized by topic, the publication provides examples of traditional policy language along with suggested strategies for developing custom collections policies and updating existing policies. It’s the inaugural digital book in the association’s publication series.

“I think it will be a handy and valuable tool for librarians,” Clement says. “In today’s environment, libraries need to be collaborative to make the most of limited resources.”

USU College of Natural Resources

Contact: Susanne Clement, 435-797-0499, susanne.clement@usu.edu

Writer: Mary-Ann Muffoletto, 435-797-3517, maryann.muffoletto@usu.edu