Mapping the collections through the reinterpretation of Conspectus: a methodological proposal for public libraries and the first results of an application case study at the Biblioteca civica in Bolzano

Abstract

The evaluation of library holdings is an activity to be carried out periodically, in order to outline a holistic and exhaustive collection profile that is an indispensable aid for the planning of the collection development and management.

Among the various methods for evaluation, there is Conspectus, which, originated in 1978 in the context of North American research libraries, has a long history with lights and shadows, experimentations and criticisms. In public libraries Conspectus has been little applied, despite the existence of interesting adaptations proposed also in the Italian context in the first decade of the 21^st century.

The paper presents an updated and original review of Conspectus, able to strengthen the traditional positive aspects of this method and at the same time to overcome and change the elements no longer current.

This methodological approach has been used for the assessment of the non-fiction holdings for adults at the Biblioteca civica in Bolzano and the first results of this evaluation are here illustrated.

Experimentation has proved to be fruitful in various respects and this methodological approach could be taken up again, adapted and applied by public libraries wishing to evaluate their collections in an analytical manner and to compare the results at a systemic level in order to activate (or improve) coordinated collection development policies and practices.