University Libraries
Smart Stacks
By Maureen Schlangen
In an era of many mobile devices, short space and short budgets, the University of Dayton Libraries are turning to data analysis and technology to ensure access to resources, reduce spending, make optimal use of space and build modern collections around user demand.
The Libraries recently signed on to a service called GreenGlass to analyze collections for usage and program applicability and ensure comprehensive access to high-quality resources onsite, electronically and from partner libraries.
The application then reveals to the Libraries the full range of books available on demand to faculty and students, which informs collection strategies and identifies content areas for possible development.
The application creates a database with the Libraries’ bibliographic and item-level data, circulation information, reshelving counts and worldwide library holdings. It also reveals which items in the collections are particularly rare or at risk of vanishing from existence in time.
It also identifies redundant, unused and outdated resources.
And, by comparing the UD Libraries’ collections with those of peer institutions and partner libraries, it can provide a more comprehensive picture of resources UD students and faculty can quickly borrow.
The Libraries also are using a technology known as DDA, or demand-driven acquisition, which allows libraries to include thousands of e-Books and other electronic resources in their catalogs without having to purchase access until after a user requests the title. This eliminates the guesswork and waste of acquiring resources that may not be wanted or used.
— Maureen Schlangen, e-scholarship and communications manager