Collection management is a dynamic process combining the actions of qualified colleague communication, coordination and organisation alongside policy reviews (Johnson, 2009) where the library acquires its resources based on needs analyses, stock-taking and a thorough review of the collection (Oddone, 2019). This has thus become more complicated in the digital age with the inclusion of internet content and now AI and Chat GPT to the library’s collection (Gregory, 2019), making the strict following of well-defined protocols more important (Acquisition and Collection Development Section – IFLA, n.d.).

More sophisticated methods of measuring library use in terms of physically and electronically need to be depended on to analyse and understand which resources are the most valued. This can be achieved by analysing physical loan data within the library, and even comparing it to inter-library loan requests can additionally help librarians identify gaps in the collection and adjust acquisitions and subscriptions accordingly (Yang, 2020). Following this, librarians can keep records of user inquiries and requests to indicate which materials are in demand (Yang, 2020). As education increasingly prioritizes digital literacy and the integration of technology, school libraries may dedicate a considerable portion of their budgets to procuring digital materials, online databases, e-books, and technology infrastructure (School Library Funding, Staffing, and Resourcing – a 10-year Review, 2020).

Looking at database usage statistics and website analytics, which can provide insights into which resources are the most needed (Henczel, 2005). Library user feedback, individual or in focus groups, collected in the form of survey results can reveal conclusions over resource use, as well as users’ satisfaction with the collection (Loh, 2023). On a more scientific note, heat map analysis can highlight physical areas of engagement in the library, helping librarians identify popular resources and areas for improvement (Khoo, 2017). 

Acquisition and Collection Development Section – IFLA. (n.d.). https://www.ifla.org/units/acquisition-collection-development/   

Henczel, S. (2005). Measuring and Evaluating the Library’s Contribution to Organisational Success – Developing a Strategic Measurement Model. Performance Measurement and Metrics, 7(16), 7–16. https://doi.org/10.1108/14678040610654819 

Johnson, P. (2009). “1: Introduction to Collection Management and Development”. Fundamentals of Collection Development and Management (2 ed.). Chicago, IL: The American Library Association.

Khoo, M. (2017). Heat Map visualizations of seating patterns in an academic library. Temple. https://www.academia.edu/33597201/Heat_Map_Visualizations_of_Seating_Patterns_in_an_Academic_Library 

Loh, C. E. (2023). Designing Future-Ready School Libraries: Empowering Stakeholders for Evidence-Based Change. Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association, 72(3), 294–305. https://doi.org/10.1080/24750158.2023.2231229 

Oddone, K. (2019). School library collection development: it’s not as simple as you thinking. Linking Learning. https://www.linkinglearning.com.au/school-library-collection-development-its-not-as-simple-as-you-might-think/ 

School library funding, staffing, and resourcing – a 10-year review. (2020, September 4). https://www.softlinkint.com/blog/10YearReview-SchoolLibrarySurvey/ 

Yang, J. (2020). Analysis of concentrations of loans by using book circulation data in Korea University Library. Publications, 8(4), 53. https://doi.org/10.3390/publications8040053