Management: Collection Mapping

MANAGEMENT: Collection - Mapping

Collection mapping provides an evaluation of the collection for both quantity and quality of the materials available in the school library.

There are three main reasons to create a collection map:
to assist the selection and weeding decisions
to demonstrate the relationship between the collection and the curriculum needs of the
school
to support funding requests and budget expenditures.

David V. Loertscher first introduced the concept of "collection mapping" in 1986. His print resources are excellent support of this type of activity. Remember you can customize the process to meet your school's needs.

Teacher-librarian Graphic

Tools used in collection mapping:

A Quick Look: Set up a table with each unit to be taught at each grade level and then determine which areas of the School Library collection will support each unit. See the SLIC Handbook: Collection Development:4-6 September 2003.

Determine the criteria for assessment. What are you using to measure your collection - reading level, depth in
subject or type, curriculum fit?

Method of collecting data: Manual count or OPAC information?

Create worksheets for the analysis - consider topics such as: average age of items, numbers, % of total collection,
print vs. non-print. link....

Develop a database to enter the information and enable analysis.

Communicate the findings based on the analysis through budget meetings, staff meetings, etc.

Information to guide your understanding of the process. link....

Additional Resources:

Loertscher, David V. (1996) Collection Mapping in the LMC: Building Access in a World of Technology. San Jose, CA: Hi Willow Research and Publishing. ISBN: 0-931510-58-9

Loertscher, David V. and Blanche Woolls. Building a School Library Collection Plan. [Internet Handbook]

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Last Update: 10-Aug-2005 9:39 AM