Managing Miles of Books (and So Much More!): Meet Our Director of Collections
Posted April 21, 2026 in Feature Friday, Featured News, General Collections News, Giving to JMU Libraries News, JMU Libraries News
Ever wondered what it takes to manage a university library’s collections?
At JMU Libraries, a hard-working team of professionals and student staff selects, organizes, and maintains accurate metadata for over 1.8 million ebooks and half a million books and other physical collections spanning more than 10 miles of shelves! Four miles of those materials are about to move back into Carrier Library!
To get a closer look at what goes on behind the scenes, we spoke with our Director of Collections Sarah Pritchard, who shared insights into how the Libraries team manages this vast collection.
Meet Sarah Pritchard, Director of Collections!
If you could describe your job in simple terms, what would you say?
“As the Director of the Collection Administration department, I lead a wonderful team of colleagues who support every stage of the collections life cycle. We oversee the materials budget, license and purchase resources, ensure they’re discoverable, analyze and review our collections, and troubleshoot issues as they arise.”
What’s one part of the collections process that most users never think about?
“It’s hard to pick just one! Ordering a book might seem simple, but at our scale it involves subject expertise, multiple ordering systems, budget planning, compliance with university and state purchasing guidelines, license negotiations that include things like digital accessibility, and adding metadata to ensure discoverability. Every step requires coordination and care.”
How would you describe what “discoverability” or “discovery” means for library users?
“In a library sense, discovery is all about helping users find resources that support their research, teaching, and interests. A lot of intention goes into making our collections discoverable and visible to patrons. Behind the scenes, our metadata experts make sure materials are accurately described and searchable in our catalog. And if something isn’t in our collection, we guide users to alternatives like Interlibrary Loan.
“Discovery also happens when liaison librarians promote resources to the academic units they work with and when our e-resources team ensures that users can access our online holdings. Physical access is a part of discovery, too—our Access & User Services team and our amazing student staff carefully maintain the shelves so users can find what they need in our buildings. Though much of this work is invisible, it’s essential for a successful library experience and connecting users to resources.”
What’s a resource in our collections you wish more people knew about?
“The Small Publishers Print Approval Plan brings in books from small publishers that highlight historically marginalized voices. It’s a rich and diverse collection available through our partnership with VIVA, Virginia’s academic library consortium—definitely worth exploring!”
What part of your work brings you the most joy or satisfaction?
“I love the variety. Some days are hands-on and operational—solving space or budget puzzles—while others focus on strategy, planning, and larger collaborations. That mix keeps the work engaging and meaningful.”
Learn More
So next time you pull a book from our shelves or click through an online journal, know that countless hours of planning, collaboration, and care have made that moment possible!
Every task completed by our dedicated team, from the day-to-day to the strategic, ensures that the JMU community can access the resources they need to succeed.
Learn more about Borrowing at JMU Libraries.
This story is part of the JMU Libraries Feature Friday series. If you’d like to recommend a person or project connected with JMU Libraries to feature in this series, contact us at libraries@jmu.edu.