Engineering Commons^™

One Root, Many Trees: Reviving Collections Practices, Patricia D. Sobczak, Kevin D. Farley, Ibironke Lawal, Emily Davis Winthrop

VCU Libraries Faculty and Staff Publications

Collections are undergoing intense change and pressure from technology, budgetary uncertainties, and emerging perspectives on future approaches. Our case study -- drawn from our experiences as collections librarians -- examines these complex issues facing academic collections, large or small, across the profession. Through the development of “collections of distinction” within the local collection, collaborations and scholarly partnerships with colleagues and faculty, and advocacy for the importance of dedicated oversight to ensure that collections investments fulfill the academic mission, we explore possible solutions to the complicated issues defining contemporary collections practices.