Resources tailored to needs. The library user’s impact on the acquisition policy exemplifiedby the Library of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice

Abstract

The needs and expectations of users are a significant influence on the policy of collection acquisition in a modern academic library. During the decision-making process concerning the library collection development, librarians take the user’s preferences into account, thanks to which they can build a collection tailored to the current and long-term needs. Balancing the users’ expectations and substantive requirements and budget limitations is a challenge for the acquisition departments of academic libraries. This article aims to discuss the way in which users influence the selection and purchase of resources in the Library of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice – both directly (through the “Recommend a book” form, by speaking to librarians working in the circulation department) and indirectly (statistics analysis, surveys).