2013 Charleston Conference

Do print books purchased by individual selectors circulate more frequently than books acquired via an approval plan? There have been few studies that analyze circulation data categorized by acquisition model. Kent State University will share results from circulation data gathered from its large research library on the Kent Campus and a smaller regional campus library, comparing firm orders to approval plan orders over a five year period. Variable data such as publisher, publication date, LC classification and academic department further define effectiveness of these two acquisitions models.

Evaluation of these data could impact how funds are allocated across disciplines. Results may influence acquisition behavior and impact models such as print purchase-on-demand models, which typically have higher circulation compared with traditional acquisition models, as well as ebook purchasing models like Demand-Driven Acquisitions and Short Term Lending.

Attendees can expect to learn about (1) evaluating the effectiveness of selected vs. approval acquisition models for print books and (2) implications for strategic distribution of collection funds based on use outcomes for different acquisition models.