Library Collection Development

Library collection development is one of the most important activities of a library — a good collection means the library can meet the needs of its users, while a poor collection means the library will become less and less useful to its community and ultimately lose hours until it's no longer a viable service.


Video #1
This short videoclip from a public library will outline how circulation and library use impacts on library programming. When things change in the library community, the library needs to respond.

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Libraries need to do a community analysis or profile to understand their patrons' needs.

In the changing world a needs assessment is very important. This video demonstrates the elements of a needs assessment.

Video #2



The key is to understand the difference between wants, needs, demands and expectations.

Libraries may create a library profile to understand the logistics of circulation in their libraries. Here's an example of a profile: http://jpl.coj.net/lib/factsheet.html

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Here's a bibliography of collection development related web sites, including links to various collection development policies: http://www.sldirectory.com/libsf/resf/coldev2.html

This York University Web page explains in detail the six levels of collection intensity used in the Conspectus approach to subject collection analysis: http://www.library.yorku.ca/ccm/Home/About/CollPolicies/CollectingLevels.htm

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This material was gathered by Linda Aksomitis

Instructor for Introduction to Internet Writing Markets

and Credenda Virtual High School & College