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DataBank: How to Map Collections to Academic Units

Why Map Library Collections to Academic Units?

When library resources are matched to academic departments, you can:

  1. Analyze collections in a consistent and systematic manner.
  2. Calculate the amount of support the library provides to academic units—not in the old terms of funds spent, but in new terms of resources purchased.
  3. Align resources to the needs of the community.
  4. Discover what is not being systematically collected.
  5. Fully account for interdisciplinary subjects and resources if the map contains overlap, with the same call number appearing under more than one subject, which guarantees that interdisciplinary subjects and resources are completely represented.
  6. Assist selectors by providing the widest range possible of call numbers to use to search vendor databases such as GOBI and OttoEditions.
  7. Quickly advance the process of familiarizing selectors, who have new subject responsibilities, with a field of study.
  8. Create services based on call numbers such as Browse Online or On Foot.
  9. Enhance outreach and resource usage by offering canned searches such as those based on subject-headings identified via call numbers, e.g., Cyber Terrorism.