Brief Report -- Building an Occupational Therapy Library Collection

january/february 2001
Volume 55 / Number 1

Joseph Fennewald-MA, Jack Kasar-PhD, OTR/L

Article Keywords: books, libraries, occupational therapy, literature

A strong library collection is necessary to support the academic mission of an occupational therapy program. The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) recognizes the importance of the library in its standards. In the Essentials and Guidelines for an Accredited Educational Program for the Occupational Therapist, library facilities and holdings constitute an integral and significant component of learning resources (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 1991). Specific reference is made to current books, periodicals, journals, computers, and other reference materials that are related to the curriculum. In fact, the new Standards for an Accredited Educational Program for the Occupational Therapist include reference to online services, interlibrary loan, and resource centers (ACOTE, 1999). As of November 1998, there were 341 programs in the accreditation process that need to consider the adequacy of their learning resources. Yet, there are few guidelines about what constitutes a strong library collection. This article examines the procedures a new program can use to build its occupational therapy collection. We identify the problems encountered and offer suggestions for additional research to determine the best works in occupational therapy and related fields.