Collection Management

Public Library collections today contain a great variety of materials: traditional print resources such as hardcover and paperback books for all ages, along with newspapers and magazines.  Non-print media appears on an equal variety of formats, from videos and audio tapes to compact discs and computer software.  Moreover, online electronic resources and databases are increasingly prevalent, giving rise to discussions concerning "access" vs. "ownership."

Collection management is an important part of the library director’s job.  It involves three major aspects:

• developing policies for the collection
• developing strategies for building the collection
• budgeting for the collection

Building a collection should involve a studied approach to the selection, maintenance, development, and evaluation of the library’s materials.  Equally important is the public library’s stance on intellectual freedom and the policy position it takes when library materials are challenged.

This class session will focus on these critical components of collection management, components that touch on Board authority as well as on staff responsibilities.

Learning Objectives for Collection Management:

• To understand all elements of collection management.
• To recognize the balance necessary in good collection development, taking into account the potential roles of purveyor of popular materials, supplier of out-of-print and classic titles and repository of unique and often aged materials.
• To understand the following standards, as listed in In Service To Iowa:

1. Standards 30-36 (p. 14-16)  
2. Standards 41-42 (p. 17)
3. Standards 53-55 (p. 19)