This workshop, a collaboration between ALA Publishing and the Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL), addresses the needs of non-specialist librarians who wish to build or enhance their library’s Judaica holdings. The session includes an overview of the different types of Judaica libraries and collections (who collects what and why), as well as an overview of notable vendors of Judaic resources and bibliographic resources.
This will be followed by step-by-step guidance on collection building, which will take into account traditional collection development techniques, such as environmental scanning, patron needs assessments, and institutional mission alignment, together with other considerations such as library funding. The workshop will also cover just-in-time purchasing for access to core resources versus just-in-case purchasing designed to augment, preserve, and provide access to limited resources.
Learning Outcomes
• Learn about the different types of Judaica libraries and collections
• Gain an overview of notable vendors of Judaic resources and bibliographic resources
• Receive guidance on collection building, including traditional collection development techniques
• Understand the benefits of just-in-time purchasing versus just-in-case purchasing
Who Should Attend
Non-specialist librarians involved in collection development, or any other library staff, who are interested in building or enhancing a collection of Judaica materials will find this workshop highly relevant.