The Frugal Librarian by Carol Smallwood

Author:Carol Smallwood
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780838991879
Publisher: ALA Editions

DATA-DRIVEN CANCELLATION DECISIONS

Leslie Farison

DATA-DRIVEN DECISION MAKING and accountability are some of the buzzwords in today's environment, and evaluation of service provision is expected of all types of organizations including libraries. The global economic downturn has forced libraries everywhere to pare down expenditures in a period of diminished resources.

Recently public university libraries have seen sharp budget cuts resulting from major state funding shortfalls. Efforts to preserve jobs have resulted in materials budgets being especially hard hit. In most cases resources must be identified for cancellation and libraries must make realistic decisions about resources they can do without. Selectors are challenged to make difficult decisions that can be defended and that make optimum use of the scarce resources the library has available. The goal of any university library cancellation project must be to reach the targeted spending reductions while maintaining adequate support for research, teaching, learning, and outreach.

When asked to identify resources for cancellation, selectors often do not know the extent of the cuts they may be asked to implement. Administrators may ask the library to prepare various scenarios in anticipation of the state budget being finalized and approved. Selectors at Appalachian State University (ASU) in North Carolina used a priority scheme that identified 10 percent, 15 percent, and 20 percent target reductions in the materials budget and developed corresponding tiers of cancellation lists. There is no one best way to approach this challenge, but the process outlined in this chapter worked well for ASU.

WHY EVALUATE?

Provide accountability for use of limited resources.

Provide legitimacy for decisions.

Find the best alternatives.

Increase cost effectiveness.

Provide transparency for stakeholders.

Enhance communication.

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