# Patron-driven acquisition
**Wikidata**: [Q15637068](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15637068)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patron-driven_acquisition)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/patron-driven-acquisition

## Summary
Patron-driven acquisition is a concept in library science that describes a model for collecting library materials. In this model, the library's patrons (users) directly influence or trigger the acquisition of new information resources. It is a method for the organized collection and systematic classification of information in libraries.

## Key Facts
- **Field of Study**: Patron-driven acquisition is an instance of library science.
- **Library of Congress ID**: It is recognized by the U.S. Library of Congress with the authority ID `sh2011003902`.
- **National Library of Israel ID**: It is identified by the National Library of Israel with the J9U ID `987012430912005171`.
- **Wikipedia Presence**: The concept has a Wikipedia article titled "Patron-driven acquisition" available in 4 languages: English, Catalan, German, and Polish.
- **Academic ID**: It was assigned the Microsoft Academic ID `2777971309` (now discontinued).
- **Other Identifiers**: The concept is also identified by Freebase ID `/m/0wfz89_` and Yale Lux ID `concept/7d38297f-b33d-4c57-9a95-41d6a816611f`.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Patron-driven acquisition?
A: Patron-driven acquisition is a method used in library science for building a library's collection. The core idea is that the library purchases materials in direct response to requests or usage patterns from its patrons, rather than having librarians select all materials in advance.

### Q: What field of study does Patron-driven acquisition belong to?
A: Patron-driven acquisition is a concept within library science. This field applies practices, methods, and technologies to the organized collection and classification of information in libraries.

### Q: Is Patron-driven acquisition an officially recognized term?
A: Yes, it is a formally recognized concept. It is used as an official subject heading by major institutions such as the U.S. Library of Congress and the National Library of Israel.

## Why It Matters
Patron-driven acquisition represents a significant shift in the philosophy of library collection development. Traditionally, librarians selected and purchased materials based on their professional judgment of what the community might need in the future, a "just-in-case" model. This could lead to spending limited budget funds on resources that were ultimately underutilized.

Patron-driven acquisition addresses this by moving towards a "just-in-time" model. By allowing user demand to directly trigger purchases, libraries can ensure that their acquisition budget is spent on materials that have a demonstrated, immediate need. This approach makes the library's collection more responsive and relevant to its users' current interests and research needs. It helps optimize the use of library funds and ensures the collection directly reflects the community it serves.

## Notable For
- **User-Centered Model**: Its primary distinguishing feature is placing the library user (patron) at the center of the acquisitions process, allowing their needs to directly guide purchasing decisions.
- **Formal Recognition**: The concept is formally recognized as a subject heading by national libraries, including the U.S. Library of Congress, which validates its importance in the field.
- **Academic Concept**: It is a distinct concept within academic and information science, tracked with identifiers in systems like Microsoft Academic, Freebase, and Yale's library system.
- **International Scope**: While not universally documented, the existence of Wikipedia articles in English, German, Polish, and Catalan indicates international recognition of the concept.

## Body
### Classification and Context
Patron-driven acquisition is classified as an instance of **library science**. Library science is the field that applies practices, methods, technologies, and tools from management, education, and other areas to the organized collection and systematic classification of information within libraries. As a method within this field, patron-driven acquisition is a specific strategy for collection development.

### Identifiers and Authority Control
The concept of patron-driven acquisition is formally recognized and tracked by several major information and academic organizations. These identifiers help standardize the term for cataloging and research purposes.

- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: `sh2011003902`
- **National Library of Israel J9U ID**: `987012430912005171`
- **Freebase ID**: `/m/0wfz89_`
- **Yale Lux ID**: `concept/7d38297f-b33d-4c57-9a95-41d6a816611f`
- **Microsoft Academic ID**: `2777971309` (discontinued)
- **Wikipedia Sitelinks**: The topic has a presence on Wikipedia in 4 languages.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap)
2. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File