Fall 2016
Citation
Summary
Alabaster's book provides a comprehensive step-by-step guide to the collaborative development of a library's core collection. She uses the case study of the Phoenix Public Library system to thoroughly examine the process. The author defines a core collection as one in which each title circulates regularly and reflect the current interests of the local community. She addresses the issues relating to core collection development such as budgetary limitations, lack of communication among library staff, and an inconsistent understanding of what constitutes a core title.
Evaluation
I found the book to be a great resource that sought to clarify the issue of what makes up a well-established core collection. In particular, her definition of a core title resolves the misunderstanding that they only concern the so-called classics of literature. She aimed to expand this narrow criteria to include any materials relevant to the needs and the interests of a library's community. Alabaster also adds the criteria of currency and usage to determine a title's status as part of the core collection. She highlights the importance of maintaining clear communication and goals, emphasizing the need for written collection policy statements and well-organized staff forums to discuss issues. While the book proves very useful, I thought it problematic in some ways. The case study of an entire library system was of particular issue, since they sought to develop a uniform core collection across all library branches, with each library being required to purchase the same core titles no matter budget and other limitations. There were several issues arising from this ambitious endeavor as the smaller branches didn't have the funding or space to match their larger counterparts. It also neglected to recognize that some core titles won't be as relevant to some of the branch communities being served.
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