In which of the following scenarios would a ‘Wall-to-wall’ inventory be most beneficial?

A ‘Wall-to-wall’ inventory is especially beneficial in the context of a comprehensive assessment of library contents. This approach involves taking a complete inventory of all items in a defined area, which is ideal for assessing the entirety of a library’s holdings.

During such an assessment, it is crucial to have a complete and accurate picture of all available resources, including books, manuals, and other forms of materials. A wall-to-wall inventory ensures that every item is accounted for and can help identify missing, outdated, or duplicated materials. This thoroughness can facilitate better management of the library’s collection, help optimize space, and ensure that the resources are current and relevant to users' needs.

In contrast, while annual updates of publications, regular monthly checks, and emergency publication requests have their own importance, they do not necessitate the exhaustive nature of a wall-to-wall inventory. Annual updates may only focus on newly added materials, regular checks tend to be less extensive, and emergency requests typically address immediate needs rather than a full accounting of inventory. Thus, the comprehensive assessment context aligns perfectly with the use of a wall-to-wall inventory method.