What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to explore the role of research library collections and how they can be effectively managed to serve diverse functions.

February 26, 2026Open Access

The collections concept at the University of Sheffield: a varied approach to the role of research library collections

Key Points

The aim is to explore the role of research library collections and how they can be effectively managed to serve diverse functions.
Analyzed the development of library collections at the University of Sheffield.
Identified different approaches to collection management.
Examined the concept of facilitated collections focused on content supply.
Proposed a framework for compartmentalizing collections based on their functions.
Demonstrated how collective initiatives can enhance conservational aspects of collections.
Outlined strategies for presenting unique content through an inside-out collection approach.

Abstract

This article discusses the development of the Library collections concept at the University of Sheffield. It draws together several wider themes of collection management and seeks to conceive of library content as serving differing functions through different but related collection approaches. To do so effectively, it argues, it is necessary to compartmentalize collections accordingly. The idea of the facilitated collection is developed towards an operational collection whose chief focus is content supply. Alongside this, it shows how collective initiatives allow for the development of explicitly conservational collections. This improved understanding of core functions allows a research library to then think about how it presents the unique and distinctive content as an inside‑out collection. By grounding this work in the collection development plan at Sheffield, it is hoped that its specific application will be demonstrated.

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