Putting our Collections to the Test: Fires, Floods, and Pandemic Related Challenges
Over the past two years large portions of our library collections were inaccessible due to unforeseen circumstances, such as natural disasters or pandemic-related closures. In addition to prolonged periods of remote learning and intermittent campus closures, a catastrophic flood damaged a significant portion of our print monograph collection. These scenarios tested the library’s ability to provide resources at our users’ point of need and we learned many valuable lessons about the availability of materials while investigating ways to provide alternative access. This presentation will share key lessons learned and how these experiences are shaping our ongoing collection development efforts.
Speakers
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Arthur AguileraCollection Assessment Librarian, University of Colorado BoulderHe/Him/His
Arthur Aguilera is the Collection Assessment Librarian at the University of Colorado Boulder Libraries. He is a Co-Chair of the ALA-Core Collection Evaluation & Assessment Interest Group. -
Gabrielle WiersmaDirector of Collection Management, University of Colorado BoulderShe/Her/Hers
Gabrielle Wiersma is the Director of Collection Management at the University of Colorado Boulder Libraries. She oversees acquisitions, collection development, resource sharing, preservation, and materials management within the Libraries. Her professional interests are focused on building collections that meet the needs of an evolving scholarly community. She is particularly interested in innovative acquisition models, user experience, and collection development practices that are data-driven and build diverse collections. -
Juleah SwansonAcquisitions & Accounting Section Lead, University of Colorado BoulderShe/Her
Juleah Swanson is an Associate Professor and Acquisitions and Accounting Section Lead at the University of Colorado Boulder Libraries.