Power and Practice in Academic Library Materials Selection Paradigms

Authors

Elena S. Smith, San Jose State UniversityFollow

Abstract

This article examines the theoretical and practical implications of three methods of materials acquisitions in an academic library. First, it evaluates how traditional collection development, electronic patron driven acquisitions (PDA) and other older forms of PDA affect materials storage, preservation, purchase speed and usage. Then this paper employs Foucault’s theories about power to discuss the ramifications of these acquisitions methods for librarians and three major user groups: faculty, graduate students and undergraduates. The article concludes that each method presents different practical and theoretical advantages and disadvantages.

About Author

Elena Smith is currently a master's student in San Jose's MLIS program and in CSUS' Public History Program. She has recently taken the Lib 287 Open Source course with Dr. Kovacs and is interning at the CSUS University Archive. Next semester, she will be continuing her internship, working as a library assistant at a local public library, and taking classes on XML and oral history.

Recommended Citation

Smith, E. S. (2011). Power and Practice in Academic Library Materials Selection Paradigms. School of Information Student Research Journal, 1(2). https://doi.org/10.31979/2575-2499.010206