UCD Library is implementing a strategy for improvement of our print book and journal collections, across all of the libraries.

Introducing the Library Curation Project

UCD Library is implementing a strategy for improvement of our print book and journal collections, across all of the libraries.

Our collections, which are constantly growing and changing, require regular review to maintain their quality, ensure currency and to align with the existing and emerging research and teaching requirements of the university.

Careful curation of our collections protects and preserves important and unique materials for future consultation and research.

The project

A comprehensive curation of UCD Library collections is much overdue.

Using evidence-based decision-making criteria and comprehensive and careful collection management techniques, a dedicated team will review the printed collections in line with international best practice in university research libraries.

This project will:

• identify and retain titles of importance to UCD, and of national importance
• transfer some materials to storage, or integrate them into other parts of the library collections
• withdraw outdated and badly damaged books from the shelves
• purchase new books to address identified gaps in the collections
• prioritise purchase of e-books to ensure 24/7 access to resources. This will support UCD's strategy of digital transformation. 

Benefits to students:

• Collections will be revitalised through the removal of out-of-date stock, and the purchase of new up-to-date books
• It will be easier to locate relevant materials on the shelves
• Space freed up from this work will allow us to add additional study spaces for students
• We will have the opportunity to refurbish and modernise library spaces - providing more power on desks and improving the range, choice and quality of study spaces.