The existence of a formalized and consistent collection assessment policy and practice within an academic library is as crucial a policy and practice as defining circulating privileges. However, it is often undervalued or overlooked. Starting with the WLN Collection Assessment Service’s guidelines as a frame some 20 years ago, the Houston Cole Library (HCL) at Jacksonville State University (a comprehensive, traditionally master’s level university in the foothills of Alabama’s Appalachian Mountains) has developed a robust and effective collection assessment model. This presentation describes the evolution of the HCL’s collection assessment efforts, the current policies and procedures and discusses ways in which collection assessment/development practices might change for the future.