Collection Management
One of the vital tasks of a research library is the management of its print collections. The Baylor Libraries routinely and methodically manage its collections, withdrawing print volumes using criteria appropriate for the collection or discipline. Currently, library personnel are withdrawing materials from several areas of Moody and Jones Libraries with the long-term goal of repurposing space to provide more areas for student collaboration and learning — as well as enhanced institutional services like audiovisual production studios and an expanded maker space — ultimately accommodating more than 15% of Baylor's current undergraduate population. The goal is to remove all print collections from the first floors of Moody and Jones Libraries to provide space for student and faculty engagement. It is important to note that the Baylor Libraries are members of and cooperate with the Center for Research Libraries, HathiTrust, and WEST (Western Regional Storage Trust), with the goal of the long-term preservation of access to print works. It is also important to note that because of the nature of the university, Baylor has some unique collections (both books and periodicals) — most notably religion and philosophy — that warrant more careful curation.
- Government documents
We are removing the majority of print government documents as most current government documents are available online through HathiTrust and our print versions were not being used. - Zeta Collection
We are withdrawing children’s books that have out-of-date information or have not circulated within the past decade. - Jones Reference
The reference collection on the first floor of Jones Library will soon be removed to create additional spaces for student learning and collaboration. The existing materials will be returned to regular circulation, offsite storage, or withdrawn. This project is just getting started and no materials have been removed at this point. - Moody Arts Reference
The library is looking to remove materials that have low use, are out-of-date, and/or are available online. This project is just getting started and no materials have been removed at this point. - Moody Arts Periodicals
We are in the process of developing criteria that will look to remove items that are not being used and are available either online or via interlibrary loan. - Moody Periodicals
We are in the process of developing criteria that will look to remove items that are not being used and are available either online or via interlibrary loan. - Allbritton Art Institute
With the dissolution of Baylor’s relationship with the Allbritton Art Institute, the library is returning to Allbritton materials that were purchased with Allbritton funds. - Moody and Jones General Collection
No extraordinary collection reduction is currently underway. We are currently in the process of exploring possibilities and developing models for off-site relocation of existing materials and collection reduction to allow for space reallocation.
In addition to these collections housed in Moody and Jones Libraries, we are removing non-archival materials from the Baylor Collection of Political Materials (Poage) General Collections (not special collections or rare books) that do not fit within the current collection parameters.
If you have questions regarding current collection management strategies at the Baylor Libraries, please contact Jeffry Archer, Dean of Libraries, Museums, and the Press.
Frequent Questions About Collection Management
Note: These questions are excerpted from "Weeding Communication Matrix & FAQ" by Rosemont Shared Print Alliance and the Partnership for Shared Book Collections, which is licensed under CC BY 4.0.