Libraries are increasingly asked to justify every part of their spending. Such justification is easier if we can show evidence that our purchasing is tied to multiple measurable data points. This session will look at the implementation of a weighted allocation formula for acquisitions at a small, underfunded public college.
For years, the library had been setting yearly allocations using an average of historical spending plus a small percentage to cover inflation, which was then tweaked based on liaison input. After attending a session at a previous Charleston conference, we decided to adapt the models that we saw to our own, unique situation. We developed a statistically-driven formula using data such as circulation, enrollment, and cost of materials which we feel has resulted in a more equitable and user-focused allocation model.
The presenter will address the impetus for our change in practice, details of the model, considerations that went into it, results to date, and future plans.
