Cheat Sheet

​Introduction to Collection Development

​Collection development is the systematic planning and rational building of library collections based on the assessment of the information needs of the community a library serves.

​Core Principles

  1. Relevance: Ensure materials are pertinent to users' needs.
  2. Diversity: Include a range of materials that reflect diverse voices and perspectives.
  3. Balance: Strive for a collection that represents multiple viewpoints.
  4. Quality: Prioritize well-reviewed and authoritative sources.
  5. Accessibility: Consider formats that are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

​Collection Development Policy

  • Purpose: Defines the scope and guiding principles for selection, acquisition, and weeding.
  • Community Profile: Includes demographic information to tailor the collection to community needs.
  • Selection Criteria: Outlines how materials are chosen, including considerations for content, cost, and format.
  • Responsibility: Identifies who is involved in the selection and deselection processes.
  • Resource Sharing: Considers partnerships with other libraries for interlibrary loans and consortia purchases.

​Selection Tools and Resources

  • Professional Journals (e.g. Library Journal, Booklist, School Library Journal)
  • Reviews and Annotations: Utilize reputable sources for professional reviews.
  • Publishers' Catalogs: For information on new releases and forthcoming titles.
  • User Requests: Patron suggestions can be a valuable source of information.
  • Circulation Data: Analyze usage statistics to inform purchasing decisions.

​Budget Management

  • Allocation: Distribute funds based on collection priorities and usage.
  • Monitoring: Regularly review expenditures to stay within budget.
  • Negotiation: Work with vendors for the best pricing and package deals.
  • Grants and Donations: Seek additional funding through grants and consider donations with discernment.

​Acquisitions

  • Ordering: Implement efficient procedures for ordering new materials.
  • E-Resources: Manage licenses and access for digital content.
  • Receiving and Processing: Ensure new materials are prepared and available for patrons promptly.

  • Criteria: Use objective criteria such as condition, currency, and circulation statistics.
  • MUSTIE: A common weeding acronym - Misleading, Ugly, Superseded, Trivial, Irrelevant, Easily available elsewhere.
  • Disposal: Determine ethical and practical methods for disposing of deselected items.

​Special Considerations for Digital Collections

  • Access: Ensure compatibility with library systems and ease of access for patrons.
  • DRM: Understand digital rights management implications for use and access.
  • Archiving and Preservation: Plan for the long-term maintenance and preservation of digital content.

​Assessment and Evaluation

  • Collection Analysis: Use tools like circulation statistics, turnover rates, and collection mapping to evaluate the collection’s strengths and weaknesses.
  • Surveys and Feedback: Gather input from patrons and staff to guide development efforts.
  • Continuous Improvement: Regularly update collection development practices in response to assessment findings and changing community needs.

​Professional Development

  • Stay informed about trends in publishing, emerging technologies, and shifts in information-seeking behaviours.
  • Participate in webinars, workshops, and conferences focused on collection development.
  • Engage with professional networks and online forums to exchange best practices.

​Legal and Ethical Considerations

  • Intellectual Freedom: Uphold principles that guarantee access to all expressions of ideas.
  • Censorship: Resist efforts to censor library materials and support open access to information.
  • Copyright: Be knowledgeable about copyright law, especially regarding digital content.
​Remember, effective collection development is a dynamic and ongoing process that requires librarians to be proactive, knowledgeable, and responsive to the evolving landscape of library services and community needs. This cheat sheet should serve as a quick reference to the foundational elements of collection development, but always refer to your library's specific policies and procedures for detailed guidance.