The Collections Analysis Community of Practice provides a collaborative forum for sharing strategies and best practices in evaluating library collections. Since its inception on June 5, 2023, the group has focused on supporting professional development in data analytics and visualisation, specifically for library collection evaluation. By fostering knowledge-sharing and skill-building, the community enhances library professionals’ ability to make data-driven decisions that optimise collection management and performance.
The Charter provides more information about the community of practice, including its purpose, scope, and participants’ roles and responsibilities.
Objectives of the Community of Practice:
- Facilitate the exchange of ideas and information related to library collection analysis and performance evaluation.
- Provide peer support for addressing challenges and sharing expertise in collection evaluation.
- Explore key issues in library collection performance and data analysis.
- Foster collaborative decision-making to address data inconsistencies improving evaluation methods.
- Discuss recent developments, trends, and practices in collection analysis.
- Build consensus on best practices for evaluating the performance of library collections.
- Promote upskilling in technical knowledge related to data analysis and visualisation techniques.
- Offer community-led training and professional development opportunities focused on collection evaluation.
- Support the CAUL Content Procurement Service, CAUL Analytics Service, and CAUL Professional Learning Service through shared insights and expertise.
- Provide a practical, peer-supportive environment distinct from the CAUL Value & Impact Community of Practice, with a specific focus on collection evaluation across various resource types and acquisition models, including print, electronic, monographs, serials, multimedia, and diverse acquisition models.
Convenors
- Anne Lock, Senior Librarian, Resources, University of Tasmania
- Alison Carr, Collection Analytics Coordinator, Monash University
- Lauren Castle, Collections and Analytics Librarian, University of Newcastle
Membership
Eligibility
Membership is open to two members per institution, to be nominated by the institution.
How to join
To join the Community of Practice, please sign up for the mailing list.
Meetings
In 2026, the group meets bi-monthly.
Meetings are listed in the CAUL Events directory.
Email list
Subscribe to the Community of Practice email list.