LIBotomy: Creating a Shared Neuroscience Collection Development Policy

Abstract

Purpose: This poster examines the collaboration between the Joyner Academic and Laupus Health Sciences Library at East Carolina University to establish a shared Neuroscience Collection Development Policy.

Setting/Participants/Resources: At East Carolina University, the Neuroscience Multidisciplinary Studies Program spans departments on both the Academic and Health Sciences campuses. The Science Librarian at Joyner Library, the Librarian Liaison for the School of Medicine and the Collection Development Librarian at Laupus Library collaborated on this policy creation.

Brief Description: Neuroscience is an emerging health sciences field that incorporates a wide range of subjects from psychology to neurobiology. Due to the interdisciplinary research needs for an academic neuroscience program, Laupus and Joyner librarians saw the opportunity to collaborate on a collection development policy in order to meet the research needs of the neuroscience faculty and students. Prior to writing the policy, the librarians examined ECU’s neuroscience program curriculum, communicated with faculty and students about their resource needs, and reviewed available neuroscience collection development policies from other universities.

Results/Outcome: The outcome was a more relevant and current Neuroscience Collection Development Policy for the University Libraries. As a result of the policy, both libraries will be able to purchase materials that will best fit the needs of faculty and students on their respective campus. This policy will prevent duplication of purchases and strengthens the collaboration between the libraries, an important recommendation of an upcoming SACS accreditation visit.

Evaluation Method: The libraries will evaluate circulation rates and communicate with faculty to determine satisfaction with the collection.