The library of the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC)

Abstract

PurposeTo describe and evaluate the collection of the library of the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC).Design/methodology/approachThe relevant Association of College and Research Libraries’ (ACRL) Standard for College Libraries of 1986 (Standard 2) is used to assess the quality of the Library collection.FindingsThe library of the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC) achieves level B of the ACRL standard.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper takes one very particular, widely respected quantitative tool for collection evaluation and uses it “as is” – the paper thus accepts and applies the theoretical framework on which the tool is based, but applies it in a relatively unfamiliar library setting.Practical implicationsThe description of the collection is of value to those needing to locate materials relating to Islamic culture and civilization; the implementation of the ACRL methodology is a useful demonstration of a practical tool for collection management and assessment.Originality/valueIt is important for any educational institution to establish an effective library collection, one that is able to support the teaching and learning activities of the institution. To ensure that the library achieves its objectives, evaluation of the library collection needs to be done. This paper applies an internationally accepted standard for collection evaluation to a particular library, giving a model for other libraries to follow, especially libraries in the developing world. It is important to demonstrate that libraries in the developing world can aspire to and attain standards designed for collections in developed countries: this paper achieves that goal.