Keräystasoja

Keräystasoja, often translated as collection levels, are a concept used in library science to describe the extent to which a library aims to collect materials on a particular subject. These levels provide a framework for collection development, guiding librarians in making decisions about acquiring new resources and weeding existing ones.

The most common collection level is "out of scope," meaning the library does not intend to collect materials in that subject area at all. The next level is "minimal," indicating that only a few items on the subject are kept, perhaps for general reference or historical interest. "Limited" signifies a collection that supports basic educational needs or provides introductory information.

A "selective" collection level suggests that the library aims to collect more comprehensively, covering major topics and authors within a subject. "<bos>" means the library strives to collect most significant works in the field, while "comprehensive" indicates an intention to collect most materials published in the subject. Finally, the highest level, "exhaustive," implies an aim to collect all published materials within a specific subject, often found in specialized research libraries or archives.

Collection levels are not static and can be adjusted based on the library's mission, user needs, budget, and the subject's relevance. They are a crucial tool for ensuring that library collections are well-balanced, relevant, and efficiently managed to serve their intended audience.