Turning the Corner at High Speed: How Collections Metrics are Changing in a Highly Dynamic Environment

Collections metrics have always been an important component of effectively managing libraries. However, today they are more important than ever before as user-focused libraries and information centers attempt to adjust their collections to current and future library user needs. Frequently this transition requires sharp turns, smart traffic control, and even drafting behind other libraries who might be in the lead at any given stretch in order to achieve ultimate success. This conference report will present perspectives on metrics from corporate and liberal arts college library contexts. It will address questions such as: What are the key metrics today versus five years ago? What factors are at work that create changes in metrics value over time? What changes might we expect to see in the future?