Holistic Collection Development and the Smithsonian Libraries

Authors

  • Salma Abumeeiz University of British Columbia
  • Daria Wingreen-Mason Smithsonian Institution Libraries

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5860/lrts.64n1.26

Keywords:

Smithsonian Institution Libraires, Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, Holistic Collections Management, Interpersonal Outreach

Abstract

As part of a larger collections analysis study, this project outlines why a particular, underserved museum unit at the Smithsonian Institution is underutilizing the Smithsonian Libraries’ facilities and resources, and how the library can better support this unit’s unique research needs. Using a holistic methodology that weds quantitative and qualitative approaches, this study highlights the unit’s distinct research profile that includes the various logistical, emotional, and collection-related barriers that impede their usage of the Libraries. Findings from this study signal the utility of a holistic, user-centric methodology to gather pertinent data and facilitate ongoing, interpersonal dialogues between the Smithsonian Libraries and its diverse internal users.

Author Biographies

Salma Abumeeiz, University of British Columbia

Salma Abumeeiz (sabumeeiz@gmail.com) is an auxiliary librarian at the Richmond Public Library and the BC Electronic Library Network.

Daria Wingreen-Mason, Smithsonian Institution Libraries

Daria Wingreen-Mason (WingreenD@si.edu) is a branch librarian at Smithsonian Libraries.

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Published

2020-01-09

Issue

Vol. 64 No. 1 (2020): January

Section

Notes on Operations

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