Collection assessment and acquisitions budgets: Highlights of a conference

Collection Evaluation and Acquisitions Budgets: A Kaleidoscope in the Making Charles B. Osburn, Dean, University Libraries, University of Alabama Osburn opened his presentation with a description of a kaleidoscope, in which motion, change, beauty, color, and control are essential. In comparison, the information universe is growing at unprecedented speed and in new directions electronically. Librarians must take control of this growth and make it an object of beauty. The interests of everyonebusiness, industry, society-are becoming more global. Librarians have been called upon to operate simultaneously a traditional library and an electronic one. Librarians have done this by working harder, developing online catalogs, and creating large bibliographic databases. Librarians believe that they are stretched to the limit. Osburn recommended an outward gaze that is more client centered. In addition, a new set of guiding principles must be established. The emphasis must shift from ownership to access and from purchasing for the long-term to providing for expressed needs. Collection evaluation can be simple or complex. Libraries are experiencing a steady shift from collection-centered approaches to client-centered ones. Two fundamental principles should guide libraries in this area: accountability and setting priorities. It is imperative that libraries solicit information from their clientele. Not only is this a good marketing tool, but it also projects an image of good management. Materials budgets can be a limiting or enabling factor. As one measure of control it can fund new priorities and directions. Not only does the budget allow libraries to shed the heavy