Library Collection Building: The Interlocking Functions of ILL, Acquisitions, and Collection Development

Abstract

This chapter explores the experiences of two libraries, Oregon State University (OSU) and the University of Kansas (KU), that have made changes to their respective organizational structures in order to better meet the information needs of their communities. Changes in technology and in the scholarly publishing landscape, increased expectations of users for immediate access to information, and shrinking library collection budgets prompted librarians at both institutions to review the relationships and effectiveness of previously siloed collection development, interlibrary loan, and acquisitions units. Both libraries have now found ways to organize ILL and acquisitions departments to better support collection development. These examples of successful cooperation within libraries mirror the success that ILL staff already enjoy by working closely with colleagues at other libraries, and provide a model for library staff in any and all libraries interested in collaborating more closely or combining functions and departments within a library.