Circulation as Assessment: Collection Development Policies Evaluated in Terms of Circulation at a Small Academic Library

Abstract

At the root of all library acquisition decisions is the goal to add to the collection those materials that meet users’ needs. Compiling circulation statistics is one way of assessing users’ needs. This project seeks to assess the current collection development practices at Stetson University with respect to the circulation of books purchased in support of selected departmental curricula. Circulation statistics for books selected by five academic departments over a five-year period are compared with those of librarian selections in corresponding subject areas.