Fundamentals of Collection Assessment

This six-week online course introduces the fundamental aspects of collection assessment in libraries. The course is designed for those who are responsible for or interested in collection assessment in all types and sizes of libraries. The course will introduce key concepts in collection assessment including:

  • the definition of collection assessment,
  • techniques and tools,
  • assessment of print and electronic collections, and
  • project design and management.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • describe the fundamental aspects of collection assessment
  • understand the various collection assessment methods and tools, including both qualitative and quantitative analysis
  • design and implement a collection assessment project
  • perform a collection assessment of print resources
  • complete a collection assessment of electronic resources

Who Should Attend

This is a fundamentals course that will appeal to anyone interested in the topic with no previous experience.

Taking a web course is different than taking a traditional course in a classroom. Read Are You Ready for Online Learning to make sure the web course structure is right for you.

Course Level & Prerequisites

This is a fundamentals course with no prerequisites.

Course Syllabus

Instructors

Cory Tucker is Head of Collection Management at the University of Nevada Las Vegas Libraries. Cory is responsible for administration and coordination of collection development activities for the University Libraries and leads the identification, evaluation, selection, and initial licensing of print and electronic information resources for the UNLV Libraries. In addition, Cory coordinates and implements the collection assessment activities for the Libraries. Cory is an active member of ALCTS and is currently the Chair-Elect of the Collection Management and Development Section. Cory received his undergraduate degree in finance from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and received his MLS from the University of South Florida.

Reeta Sinha is a Senior Collection Development Manager with YBP Library Services. She has held management positions in collection development, serials, and acquisitions at the Texas Medical Center Library, Emory University Health Sciences Center Library, the Hoover Institution Library at Stanford University, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Reeta has a bachelor’s degree in geography from the University of Minnesota, a master’s degree in public health from the University of Texas Health Sciences Center-Houston, and an MS in Library Science from the University of North Texas.

Dates

2012 Sessions

  • Session 1: February 27–April 6 (SOLD OUT)
  • Session 2: May 14–June 22
  • Session 3: August 13–September 21
  • Session 4: October 15–November 23

Credits or CEUs

Certificates of completion are sent upon successful completion (passing score of 70% or higher) of the course.

No credits or CEUs are issued for this course.

Fee

$109 ALCTS Members; $129 Non-Members

Technical Requirements

A Moodle-developed site is composed of self-paced modules with facilitated interaction led by the instructors. There are predetermined start and end dates and a suggested pace which include interaction with the instructors and your classmates. Students regularly use the forum and chat room functions to facilitate their class participation. Section quizzes are offered and feedback given, however, there is no final class grade.

The course web site will be open for 1 week prior to the start date for students to have access to Moodle instructions and set their browser correctly. The course site will remain open 1 week after the end date for students to complete any sections and submit the course evaluation survey.

Registration

To register, complete the online form or register by mail for the session you would like to attend.

Questions?

For questions about registration, contact ALA Registration by calling 1-800-545-2433 and press 5 or email registration@ala.org.

For all other questions or comments related to the webinars, contact Julie Reese, ALCTS Events Manager at 1-800-545-2433, ext. 5034 or jreese@ala.org.