3.1 Collection Development

Collection development is the process of developing and maintaining a range of resources that will meet the information needs of the library's users. When it comes to the school library, the collection must reflect a balance between supporting the teaching and learning in the school and providing resources to meet individual needs and interests. Selection of materials however, should not be limited just to information needs, but should include resources that will challenge and inspire students and staff alike.

Collection development needs to be a systematic and continuing process to ensure currency and relevance. The collection development policy should be evaluated on an annual basis to meet the needs of the changing curriculum framework and teaching needs. A useful way of doing this is to ensure that it is presented for discussion at a staff meeting towards the end of the year. Provide copies of the document prior to the meeting, so all staff have an opportunity to contribute. Along with library staff, members of the library committee, teaching staff, the Principal and other school community members should be involved in ratifying the document.

A collection development policy is essential for all school libraries and should be written to outline what the collection will contain and why it exists. It describes the underlying principles and parameters of the school's collection of information resources. It should be developed as part of the school plan.

A collection development policy can:

• Describe the scope and purpose of the collection and how it relates to the school's purpose and goals.
• Encourage the development of a relevant, quality collection, including the selection of new resources and the withdrawing of inappropriate resources.
• Ensure equity of access to information for all users
• Define the roles and responsibilities of people involved in collection development
• Guide budget planning and facilitate future planning
• Assist in the evaluation of the collection
• Guide the decisions about the acceptance and recording of gifts and donations
• Assist in the review of disputed materials and outline procedures for resolving issues regarding disputed materials.

A comprehensive collection development policy may include criteria for selecting various resource formats, including physical and digital resources, and another, separate set of criteria for selecting suppliers. Conversely, these criteria may be encompassed in separate policies - the Selection Policy and the Acquisition Policy. In a small school library the collection development policy will probably be all inclusive. Whichever policy format is used, subscriptions to online information services, CD-ROM purchase, networking of information resources across the school and the library policy of collecting digital resources should be included.

Useful websites:

Guidelines for the preparation of a collection development policy

Resources for School Librarians: Collection Development

CMIS School Library Support: Collection Development

 

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