Combination of talents makes core collection development simple for academic libraries

New Providence, NJ – March 31, 2011 Bowker, a member of the ProQuest family of companies, and Choice, a publishing unit of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), have renewed the unique partnership that created Resources for College Libraries (RCL), a suite of works based on the American Library Association’s classic reference work, Books for College Libraries(BCL). RCL’s web-based tools enable academic libraries to access recommended titles and create a core collection of print and electronic titles that are fundamental to successful academic libraries.

“We’re delighted to continue this great relationship that brings together Choice’s excellent content and Bowker’s technological expertise” said Sharon Lubrano, ProQuest vice-president and Bowker General Manager.

Like its predecessor, Books for College Libraries, RCL is a comprehensive list of bibliographic resources that allows libraries to confidently assess the strength of their collection and select core titles to support both two and four year undergraduate programs. Unlike BCL, RCL includes electronic as well as print resources, all hand-picked by an expert team of subject editors selected and supervised by Choice. Regularly updated since its initial launch in the fall of 2006, the RCL list now includes more than 70,000 monographs, reference works, and textbooks, as well as electronic resources. The RCL product family currently includes both RCL Web, a core list for the traditional liberal arts and sciences curriculum, and RCL Career Resources, designed to support vocational and technical programs typically found at two-year institutions.

Each of the products is accessed through the RCL web site which enables easy searching by a variety of criteria, including author, subject, title, format, audience, and LC Classification Number, and also matches works to Choice’s renowned, in-depth reviews. Time-saving tools include a look-up feature that tracks items to the library’s catalog, using Bowker’s Hooks to Holdings feature. The content, which is consistently updated, can be manipulated by users enabling them to create, edit, and save lists that can then be emailed or downloaded and printed. Later this spring, Bowker and ACRL will release Version 2.0 of RCL and RCL- CR, featuring a completely redesigned interface and many new end user features, including commenting and tagging.

The partnership between Choice and Bowker has also led to the development of Bowker Book Analysis System™, an easy-to-use tool that allows libraries to compare their collections to RCL recommended titles, making it easy to spot literature gaps and then, find the right titles to fill them. “The success of RCL, and the forthcoming release of a completely revised and updated family of RCL products is proof positive of the enduring value of the Bowker-ACRL partnership,” said Irving Rockwood, Editor and Publisher of Choice. “We are delighted by today’s announcement and look forward to continuing this unique and successful relationship.”

To learn more visit www.bowker.com.

About Choice
More than 35,000 academic librarians, faculty, and key decision makers rely on Choice magazine and Choice Reviews Online for collection development and scholarly research. Choice, a publication of the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL), reaches almost every undergraduate college and university library in the United States as well as major academic and research libraries around the world. For more information, visit www.ala.org/acrl/choice.

About ACRL
The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), a division of the American Library Association, is a professional association of academic librarians and other interested individuals. It is dedicated to enhancing the ability of academic library and information professionals to serve the information needs of the higher education community and to improve learning, teaching, and research. ACRL is the largest division of the American Library Association (ALA). ACRL currently has a membership of approximately 12,600 members, accounting for nearly 20% of the total ALA membership. ACRL provides a broad range of professional services and programs for a diverse membership. For more information, visit http://www.ala.org/acrl.

About Bowker (www.bowker.com)
Bowker is the world's leading provider of bibliographic information management solutions designed to help publishers, booksellers, and libraries better serve their customers. The company is focused on developing various tools and products that make books easier for people to discover, evaluate, order, and experience, as well as providing services to publishers that help them better understand and meet the interests of readers worldwide. Bowker is a member of the ProQuest® family of companies and is headquartered in New Providence, NJ, USA, with additional operations in the United Kingdom and Australia.