Collection evaluation: a foundation for collection development

Purpose Proposes encouraging librarians to be more informed about the value of collection evaluations. Design/methodology/approach Three examples of collection evaluation methods (user‐centered evaluation, physical assessment, and specific subject support) are explored. Findings Many strategies are available for evaluating collections, regardless of the kind of library or size of the collection. Evaluation allows librarians a more thorough knowledge of what already exists, what may be needed, and whether collection development goals are being achieved. Practical implications Methods of meaningful collection evaluation are shared so that librarians may create an evaluation that will provide useful information to them in their library setting. Implications for successful future collection management, financial resource management, and effective format selection are discussed. Originality/value Discussion that includes the “assessment of specific subject support” and “assessing and building specific subject collections” encourages librarians to recognize their major and minor collections, creatively assess those collection areas, and involve techniques or individuals who might guide them to specific subject materials.