Mapping a Dental Library
Collection Using OCLC’s Worldcat Analysis Service
Jan Cox
and Barbara Gushrowski,
Indiana University School of Dentistry
Abstract: Indiana University School
of Dentistry Library’s (IUSDL) objective was to analyze the balance, breadth,
and age of the IUSDL’s collection. This presentation describes the process
of data collection from the OCLC Worldcat Collection Analysis service for the
dual purposes of analyzing the School of Dentistry Library’s (IUSDL) collection
and comparing results to other dental/medical libraries in the Committee on
Institutional Cooperation (CIC) group. This evidence based collection comparison
provided collection strengthening and weeding directions. This road map of the
library’s collecting patterns provided the necessary on ramps to better
support the curriculum, research and clinical patient services needs of the
dental school. Additionally Problem Based Learning (PBL) introduced at IUSD
in 1997 involves the use of hypothetical clinical dental cases to enhance student
learning in a self-directed small group environment. Library support for all
these programs must extend beyond the core dental collection as identified by
the “MLA Dental Section Book and Journal List for a Library Supporting
a Dental Program on Dental Service.” As a result of the study, collection
road blocks were minimized, potholes patched, and the highway to valid, timely,
reliable, quality and relevant dental and health science information opened.