Design issues for a microcomputer-based collection analysis system

This article describes a prototype automated collection analysis system developed at OCLC. The system was constructed with microcomputer and compact disc technologies and allows a library (evaluator) to compare its collection with predefined and evaluator-defined peer groups. Eight library applications for such comparisons are listed. System design goals included a 'what-if' approach to analysis, low compact disc creation costs, ease of use, and provisions for evaluator-defined analysis. The system would typically be used in a two-step process. In the analysis step, a peer group is selected and collection metrics are used to identify and set acquisition levels for specified subject areas. Comparative size collection metrics are given both at current levels and for a most-held-first acquisition strategy. In the selection step, a list of items not held by the evaluator but held by a specified level of the peer group is used along with human judgment to select items for acquisition.