When analysing data to inform decisions, it is often important to include quantitative and qualitative methods to get a holistic picture. Such is the case when analysing the resource collection in a library and making decisions based upon the data to manage resources.

The following quantitative methods would provide robust data to assist in auditing school library resources:

1. For print resources, using the library management system (LMS) to gauge borrowing statistics, as well as collection size and growth. Such data may inform the weeding of resources that have not been borrowed or used in certain time parameters (the criteria would be set by the TL for this).
2. Depending on budgetary requirements, content overlap studies may be useful to investigate resources that cover content across more that one curriculum area.

Qualitative methods that provide further important insight into the collection are:

1. User opinions via survey and discussion with students, teachers and the wider school body.
2. Collection mapping if time allows – looking at the school curriculum and mapping out which areas are supported by resources, and which areas require resources.

Further to these ideas, I really liked the idea presented by Jevanord (2021) where, with the use of a rubric that had to justify a book’s removal based on age, relevance etc., the students were “given the gardening gloves” for weeding the books. Students developed a much greater understanding of the collection in the library, and the TL developed a greater understanding of the needs and interests of the users.