Allocating Academic Library Budgets: Adapting Historical Data Models at One University Library

Many academic libraries have traditionally used complicated budget allocation models to inform funding for materials purchased in support of curriculum. When these formulas are applied, librarians usually temper the results with historical spending patterns. A small university library found that historical spending patterns can be used for budget allocation, yielding allocations similar to those derived from a complex formula. As part of the collection evaluation procedure described, the effectiveness of historical data allocations should be assessed annually by checking use of ordered materials. The effectiveness of allocations also can be supported by the use of proportional use statistics for departmental subject areas. The procedures and practices described in this article would be useful for university/college libraries of similar size to the Stetson University library, the library described in the article.     

PBA: Percentage Based Allocation for acquisitions: A simplified method for the allocation of the library materials budget

A simplified approach to the allocation of the library materials budget is proposed that is based on the formula allocations to universities by their fiscal governing bodies. Theoretically, this approach reflects most of the elements of previously proposed formulas, although in an indirect way. The validity of this method is discussed in the context of certain assumptions, along with its advantages and disadvantages. This method would be most applicable where audiovisual materials and books are combined in one budget, such as in a community college or learning resource center.     

Adapting to Scarcity: Developing an Integrated Allocation Formula

Rising costs for library materials and shrinking budgets make it more necessary than ever for academic libraries to target their scarce resources to meet the specific needs of academic programs. The authors surveyed other institutions to determine current practices in the allocation of library materials funds in different formats. The results of our survey were inconclusive, which led us to combine monographs and continuations in a single allocation formula. By crafting an allocation formula for both monographs and continuations in print and electronic format, the Cunningham Memorial Library at Indiana State University hopes to satisfy the growing demand for information services.     

A quantitative comparison of acquisitions budget allocation formulas using a single institutional setting

Each of the many materials budget allocation formulas developed and implemented by academic libraries is unique in terms of the variables which are included as well as the relative weighting applied to each variable. This study quantitatively compares how the differences in the composition of seven such formulas affect allocations of monograph and serials budgets by applying the formulas to a single test case, a small undergraduate library. Comparisons are made of the major discipline groups (Humanities, Social Sciences, and Science and Technology) as well as at the departmental level (sciences). Despite considerable differences in the construction of these formulas, fairly consistent outcomes are predicted. Coefficients of variation for the means of the seven formula allocations for major discipline groups range from 5.0% to 10.8%. Formulas that include a “library usage” variable do not yield allocations significantly different from those that exclude this variable. The means of formula allocations calculated for four science subjects agree with allocations derived from recent survey data for library spending in these areas to within one standard deviation. It is concluded that there is a considerable degree of similarity in the way allocation formulas function in practice.     

Materials budget allocation: A formula fitness review

This paper describes a formula fitness review project at a top college library. It was discovered that the collection policy was very outdated and the allocation formula was no longer a good fit. Calculations had become arbitrary expressions of years of ad hoc annual adjustments. Although the formula was supposed to support multiobjective allocation decisions, this was not actually happening in an unambiguous fashion. Formula decomposition, formula simplification and multiattribute utility theory suggest that a change from the traditional allocation formulas–including abandoning aggregate topical allocations and FTE—despite the popularity of these variables–is probably in order.     

个性因素对用户信息源选择偏好的影响——基于对高校学生的实证研究

本文引入Howard博士的五大个性因素分析工具(简化的MBTI个性分析体系)描述用户个性特征,通过问卷调查对高校学生选择五类信息源的偏好进行实证研究。利用t检验,发现“目标性”、“敏感度”等个性因素对用户的信息源选择偏好有显著的影响。     

一种基于交互式遗传算法的图书经费分配群决策模型

提出一种基于交互式遗传算法的大学图书馆藏书建设中图书采购经费分配群决策系统模型,通过人工智能技术把定性决策与定量决策结合起来,解决文献经费分配决策中优化目标非定量化、难以较高效率获得专家群体意见共识的问题。模拟实验反映出该模型能以较高效率达成专家群体意见共识。     

The “Seventy Percent Solution”

SUMMARY

Portland State University Library's fund allocation committee presented information and practical advice on the process of developing a model to reallocate funding for library materials. After experimenting with funding ratios, they decided to use their model to reallocate 30 percent of the funds earmarked for discipline-specific materials while protecting 70 percent of each discipline's original allocation.     

The relationship between loans and in-house use of books in determining a use-factor for budget allocation

During 1984–1985, a study was conducted at the Western Australian Institute of Technology Library (WAIT) to examine the relationship between loans and the in-house use of books. The methodology used was based on a study of in-house use reported by McGrath in 1971, and the results of this study corroborate his finding that circulation totals can be a reliable indicator of the subjects of books being used within as well as out of the library. As a result of this study, circulation totals have been accepted as the base for calculating a use-factor in the library's budget allocation formula for acquisition funds.     

Making the Case for Budget Reductions: Pierce County Library’s FY2013 Budget

This article features a discussion about how Pierce County (Washington) Library’s 2013 budgeting process and budget document explain budget cuts and service changes to users and taxpayers within the context of the library’s continuing effort to improve operational efficiency and maintain valued core, customer, and community services. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation established by state law and is funded from a separate property tax levy as a junior taxing district.     

Using scenarios to identify and manage allocation decision risks

This paper employs the solver function in Microsoft Excel? to make a ‘what-if' analysis of library materials budgetary allocation decisions. Two sets of allocation constraints are presented and used to describe two different theoretical scenarios: (1) a slight materials budget increase and (2) a significant materials budget decrease. In each scenario, the associated allocation ‘parity' risks are identified using solver and the outcomes of different risk management strategies are considered. Sensitivity to context requires different risk management solutions to minimize conflicts between stakeholders with competing interests. By pre-managing allocation risks, the decisions allow library materials budgets to be optimized.     

Resource Constraints and Quality Public Library Service Delivery in Ghana

Abstract

The availability and quantum of resources at the disposal of libraries greatly influence service delivery. This study seeks to assess the adequacy and effect of attenuating resources on the quality of public library services and the barriers to accessing sufficient resources for the provision of quality services. Based on a qualitative approach, the study interviewed 32 participants drawn from three regional libraries, using purposive and convenience sampling methods. Data were analyzed using interpretative techniques. The results showed that all three regional libraries were highly under resourced in terms of qualified personnel, physical resources, and current library materials which ultimately resulted in low patronage of the library facilities. A major concern was the absence of a National Library and Public Library Policy guiding the establishment of public libraries in Ghana. We strongly suggest that the new public library service bill should include a statutory formula for resource allocation to public libraries. Though our research concentrated on Ghana, the implications of the study are of great value to similar contexts.     

The acquisitions allocation formula at Ohio University

The allocations formula at Ohio University has guided the allocation of increased acquisitions funding to academic disciplines since 1979. It is derived from a 50-50 division between supply (the cost of materials within a particular academic area) and demand (circulation, interlibrary loan borrowing, student enrollments, and faculty). The use and rationale for a formula are generally described, accompanied by a history of the development and revision of such a formula at one institution. Highlighting intra-institutional politics, the formula has channeled faculty dissatisfactions away from complaints about the funding level for one discipline vis-à-vis another to a concern for increasing the overall acquisitions budget.     

书库调整之解决方案--以重庆师范大学图书馆为例

书库的新建工作一般包括组织书源、图书排序、架位分配、图书上架、整理等,而架位分配始终是整个工作的重点和难点。重庆师范大学图书馆在新建书库的各个环节都有一些新的举措,特别是在架位分配方面,以小类为单位统计相关数据,通过公式计算出各类图书的架位需求数,并据此分配架位数量,使其更趋合理、科学。     

The development and application of a unique percentage-based allocations formula at the University of Windsor

This article summarizes the literature concerning allocation formulas and outlines the development and application of a percentage-based allocation formula as part of the monograph budget at the University of Windsor. It outlines the elements of the formula, the rationale for selecting those elements and a review of the allocation formula after the first year of implementation. Unique to our formula are two elements: we selected to use the actual book price paid and to use circulation data from the actual book funds.     

数字图书馆云计算资源调度与虚拟化资源管理机制研究

资源调度与虚拟化资源管理是云计算环境下数字图书馆建设的关键问题.针对数字图书馆云计算服务集群资源调度和负载平衡的优化问题,文章提出一种基于系统的资源量与平台整体性能的云计算资源调度策略.该调度策略具有较高的效率和资源调度、使用灵活性,提高了资源分配、任务调度和负载均衡的资源利用率.     

高校图书馆数字资源绩效评价体系的建立及数字资源的科学配置

通过建立高校图书馆采访绩效评价机制以及绩效评价体系,探索保证效率与公平的数字资源优化配置模式,结合牡丹江医学院图书馆对数字资源进行的绩效评价,提出了数字资源优化配置方案,供高校图书馆科学配置数字资源。     

Allocation formulas in practice

The literature has, over the years, been represented by a number of contributions dealing with allocation formulas in academic libraries. Previous studies have shown that a majority of libraries made use of formulas. The present study focuses on the proportion of libraries using formulas for resource allocation now, characteristics of the institutions with which those libraries are affiliated, and the composition of the formulas. Relatively few variables are widely used, but the weightings and relationships among variables differ considerably from formula to formula. Examples of some formulas currently in use are presented.     

基于高校图书馆区域联盟的资源共享平台构建

如何解决好馆藏资源与电子资源的整合,实现书目信息共知与资源共享是高校图书馆区域联盟面临的主要问题。文章从分析四川省高校图书馆资源整合现状为突破口,提出借助商用系统助力区域联盟资源共享的新途径,构建了区域联盟资源共享平台架构。同时,文章还对资源共享平台构建中面临的问题及解决措施进行了研究。