Making a Collection Count

7

Making the most of a library collection budget

In tough economic times, libraries have to tighten their budgets. A 2009 survey by Library Journal revealed that the biggest challenge to libraries was rising materials prices, followed by escalating energy costs and the increasing demand for services and programs (Oder, 2009: 32–3). The survey also revealed that many libraries expected materials budgets to decline. This, combined with the increased cost of materials and rising demand for new media, means that libraries have to do more with less.

There are many factors that affect library collection budgets. Each part of the collection life cycle has an implication for budgeting. The purpose of this chapter is to suggest practical ways that libraries ...