Collection Evaluation
Collection evaluation, as an integral part of collection development, is a continuous process, and is guided by the same criteria used in selecting new materials. The Libraries seek to maintain collections that are relevant to the needs of the Pratt community at any given time. Relevancy is determined by a variety of factors, such as changes in academic courses and their curricula, research advancements in specific disciplines, and new historical perspectives. Selectors, therefore, when evaluating individual items, take into account the current trends in the subject areas for which they are responsible, as well as the historical and current literature of these areas. The evaluation process results not only in the selection of new items but also in the deselection of titles not meeting the criteria for retention, although old and little-used materials may be retained if they are considered relevant due to their historical or aesthetic value. Works authored by the Pratt community are generally retained.
The following criteria are examples of those taken under consideration when evaluating materials for withdrawal:
- Low usage, especially within the past several years;
- Multiple copies, except for significant materials for which there is high demand;
- Materials no longer useful or relevant because of curriculum changes;
- Outdated works that are no longer relevant or that have been superseded by more current research;
- Materials in poor condition, particularly if they have received little use;
- Space considerations, particularly if a resource is available electronically;
- Items available regionally through New York’s public libraries, online resources such as HathiTrust, or our consortial affiliations.
Exceptions may be made according to the judgment of the selectors, especially if a resource is unique, rare, or important to a specific subject area. Selectors may engage faculty input to help them determine whether to retain or withdraw particular materials.