An Analysis and Allocation System for Library Collections Budgets: The Comprehensive Allocation Process (CAP)

Lucy Eleonore Lyons*, John Blosser

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

The "Comprehensive Allocation Process" (CAP) is a reproducible decision-making structure for the allocation of new collections funds, for the reallocation of funds within stagnant budgets, and for budget cuts in the face of reduced funding levels. This system was designed to overcome common shortcomings of current methods. Its philosophical foundations include the values of accountability, transparency, and efficiency. It features a conceptual framework, quantitative data, qualitative evidence, and data analysis and allocation techniques.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)294-310
Number of pages17
JournalJournal of Academic Librarianship
Volume38
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2012

Funding

Supply is designed to capture the financial support currently designated to each collection. This is a comprehensive measurement of library support for the collection representing the Physics Department, for example. It not only includes the unrestricted and endowment funds allotted to the subject specialist for Physics, but also the sum of expenditures paid from central lines for physics-related resources within e-book packages, serials packages, and approval plans. To calculate those expenses, the titles within each package or database must be assigned to subjects.

Keywords

  • Allocation methods
  • Allocation models
  • Collections budgets
  • Library budgets
  • Qualitative analysis
  • Quantitative analysis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education
  • Library and Information Sciences

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