Collection Development in the Rutgers Libraries

A complex challenge

Collection Size:as of June 2011

• 3,656,283 volumes• 2,535,892 documents• 4,600,902 microforms• 91,078 electronic subscriptions• 6,394 print subscriptions

Organization of Collections:

• 26 libraries, centers and collections located in 13 different physical facilities

• 5 campuses in New Brunswick• Campuses in Newark and Camden• Special Collections / University Archives located within the

Alexander Library• Collections cover a wide variety of subject areas from Jazz to

Chemistry to Classics to Business to Nursing• Selectors on all campuses with subject liaison responsibilities• Certain libraries have primary responsibility for a subject area

(e.g. Childhood Studies in Camden)

Digital / Print Resources:The Shifting Balance

• Most subscriptions are now for online journals or databases

• Printed materials are acquired through a book approval plan with Coutts, series standing orders or firm orders for titles

• A pilot project for Patron Driven Acquisition of e-books is under way using Coutts

• Increased acquisition of Media, including with rights for streaming to classrooms

Special Collections:

• Rare books and manuscripts, maps and realia are collected

• Special strength in New Jersey resources• University Archives• Institute of Jazz Studies in Newark

Scholarly Communications:

• Open Access initiatives in University circles• RUCore digital repository• Digital Exhibits• Education of the entire University community

on trends in the information economy and copyright issues