Collection Development Basics

Are you new to the library world or selecting materials and suddenly responsible for a collection? Join this session for a basic introduction to collection development focused on popular materials collections. Beginning with the core principles of collection development, the session will move through how to follow or establish a collection development policy and how to discover materials. Selection criteria for print materials will be addressed, including key tips for using professional reviews. The session will also briefly cover how these criteria change for audiovisual and digital materials. While different vendors will be mentioned, the tips and strategies shared will be primarily vendor agnostic. Participants will leave with links for further exploration and continued learning.

As a result of this program, attendees will:

• Articulate the life cycle of materials in a popular materials collection
• Identify necessary aspects within user driven collection development polices
• List useful criteria in selecting fiction and nonfiction materials for different aged audiences across formats
• Identify keywords within professional reviews to assist with selection decisions

This project is made possible by grant funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) administered by the State of Michigan through the Library of Michigan.