Study on the Collections Disposal in Small Medical Libraries

This study aims to examine the current status of collections disposal in medical libraries and to propose improvement measures for the efficient use of library space. Medical libraries in hospitals generally have limited space but house a large number of collections. Therefore, one of the librarians' tasks is to find efficient ways to utilize the space. Additionally, the lack of clear disposal regulations means that disposal decisions are often based on individual judgments by librarians. Therefore, this study first analyzed statistical data from 10 medical libraries registered in the National Library Statistics System to calculate the saturation level of collections and understand the state of holdings. It also introduces the case of A Medical Library, which has implemented collections disposal, and shares its regulations, procedures, and process. The study found several issues, including a shortage of staff, lack of regulations and manuals, unclear disposal criteria, and appropriate collection absorption rates. To address these issues, the study proposed several alternatives, such as process optimization, creation of collections disposal guidelines for special libraries, sharing of disposal big data, and development of a calculation formula for the saturation level of collections in medical libraries. Through this study, it is expected that the regulations and procedures for collections disposal in medical libraries can be systematized and that knowledge on efficient space utilization can be uncovered, thereby contributing to the operation of medical libraries. [J Korean Med Libr Assoc 2024;51(1):41-49]