Towards a new model for the evaluation, development and spatial configuration of collections in public libraries: methodological reflections and experimental investigations

Abstract

The paper illustrates the conceptual premises, the research questions and the methodological approach of a renewed model for evaluating, developing and communicating public library collections. The collection management should be based on an increasingly less self-referential vision, capable of placing libraries in a constant and profitable dialogue with the other players in the book supply chain and with the readers. A more open vision could push librarians to work with heterogeneous data also coming from outside (characteristics of the publishing production, sales data, etc.), with the aim of implementing complex forms of benchmarking between what is available on the market and what is acquired by libraries, of identifying strengths and gaps in the collections and of orienting the librarians in the future work of collection development.
Specific attention should also be dedicated to the collection setup in the library space and to the development of physical and digital interfaces, capable of enhancing a narrative and transmedia approach.
The final part of the article is dedicated to the presentation of the first research – already carried out or still in progress – aimed at applying this new model.