Elements of a Collection Development Policy

Asuman Tezcan 

INFO 266

Fall 2015

Evans, G., & Saponaro, M. (2005). Elements of a Collection Development Policy. In Developing library and information center collections (5th ed.). Englewood, Colo.: Libraries Unlimited.

Elements of a Collection Development Policy

In this chapter, G. E Evans and Saponaro explain the importance of having a written collection development policy. Even some librarians use the terms interchangeably; the authors distinguish collection development from selection and acquisition plans. According to them, collection development policy is a broader term and covers latter two. Today many libraries either do not have a written policy, or they do not update for a long time. Some librarians believe that since the situation changes, a written policy always faces with being out of date. They emphasize that a policy reflects long-term goals and strategic plan. A written guideline helps to maintain consistency and eliminates to weaknesses of the collection. According to Evans and Saponaro, a development policy informs people the nature and scope of the collection, makes clear the priorities, generates some degree of commitment to meeting organizational goals, set standards for inclusion and exclusion, reduces biases of selectors, aids in weeding and evaluating the collection. A powerful policy statement requires large quantities of data about the weaknesses/strength of selection, knowledge about the community, and other resources available for your patrons.  The authors refer to different models like conspectus model and RLG system to prepare a policy statement.  

Evaluation: I found this textbook very well organized and inclusive. The authors cover many issues step by step by referring rich resources.