One aspect of "Collections" is to assess the collection as it grows. Collections assessment should test whether the library is well balanced with respect to topic, level, type of provider, etc., and identify any gaps in the collection.
The DLESE Collections Assessment effort is being planned (and will be implemented) by Barbara DeFelice of Dartmouth College. Barbara is wrestling with defining the level of detail of "topic" that needs to be assessed.
An example list of topics, pertaining to ecosystems, follows. The list was provided by Connie Rinaldo, Librarian of the Ernst Mayr Library, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University. This list suggests the level of detail being considered for the "by topics" assessment of the DLESE Collection.
conservation biology
endangered species
biodiversity/biological diversity
extinction
ecosystem valuation
ecological economics
evolution
recruitment
ecosystem analysis
ecological modeling
ecosystem dynamics
ecological complexity
biome studies
ecophysiology
population ecology
community ecology
landscape ecology
numerical ecology
dendroecology
paleoecology
phytogeography
ecosystem health
ecotoxicology
biomonitoring
environmental impact analysis/statements
ecosystem resilience
site disturbances
human ecology
biogeochemistry
acidification
desertification
pollution and effects
deforestation
reclamation
restoration ecology/recovery
biomagnification
eutrophication
acid deposition
sustainable agriculture
sustainable development
sustainability
biological control
IPM
agriculture
intercropping
fisheries
grazing
range management
habitat selection
habitat analysis
habitat structure
habitat scaling
habitat specificity
habitat fragmentation
habitat modification/destruction
spatial heterogeneity
patchiness
gap dynamics
temporal patterns
spatial patterns
niche
refuges
levels of biological organization
gaia
population structure and dynamics
community structure and dynamics
natural selection
group selection invasion
migration
coevolution
succession
island biogeography
species composition
species abundance
species distribution
keystone species
patch use
interspecific competition
mutualism
symbiosis
coexistence
predation
herbivory
density
decomposition
microorganisms
primary production
standing crop
ecosystem budget
food web interactions
energetics
photosynthesis
nutrient cycling
productivity
biotic process
ecosystem processes