Challenges and perspectives in organization and control of collections in the face of user needs: a case study at the Julieta Carteado Central Library - State University of Feira de Santana – Bahia/Brasil

Abstract

The need to satisfy demands for accurate and reliable information has been one of the concerns of information units today. This has led to the use of management documents to outline strategies for improving the way in which user requests are met. The aim of this article is to analyse how collection management reports contribute to the decision-making process related to the organization and control of physical and digital collections, with a view to adequately satisfying user needs in terms of searching for and accessing information. The research is characterized as descriptive and documentary, and uses the case study method, based on the technique of direct and participant observation, at the Julieta Carteado Central Library, part of the Integrated Library System of the State University of Feira de Santana-Bahia. Its sample is the Pergamum System report, which presents data on how the materials in the collection are available in the system, and should be located on the shelves by users. The results show the importance of continuous analysis of management reports, as they make it possible to compare the data presented by the system with the physical reality of the collection, reflecting its organization and control in practice. Therefore, it is essential for assertive decision-making to constantly check the use and effectiveness of the fields filled in the reports, in order to promote the effective use of resources by the academic community.