Automated Reshelving Statistics as a Tool in Reference Collection Management

Reference librarians must now confront integrating print and electronic sources into an efficient reference collection. Often the print reference collection has to be downsized to accommodate electronic sources within the reference area. In this article, Welch, Cauble, and Little discuss a project to track the usage of print reference titles through automated reshelving statistics and the usefulness of these statistics in making reference collection development and management decisions. Over a two‐year period the reference staff at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte recorded reshelving statistics. The statistics were analyzed and proved to be useful in making weeding and acquisition decisions as part of an overall program of reference service evaluation.