Digital Commons Network^™

Power And Practice In Academic Library Materials Selection Paradigms, Elena S. Smith

School of Information Student Research Journal

This article examines the theoretical and practical implications of three methods of materials acquisitions in an academic library. First, it evaluates how traditional collection development, electronic patron driven acquisitions (PDA) and other older forms of PDA affect materials storage, preservation, purchase speed and usage. Then this paper employs Foucault’s theories about power to discuss the ramifications of these acquisitions methods for librarians and three major user groups: faculty, graduate students and undergraduates. The article concludes that each method presents different practical and theoretical advantages and disadvantages.