Libraries MUST Justify Spending
Courtesy Gypsy999
Down in the dark depths of some libraries exists a dusty old document that dictates how libraries spend money. Hip libraries that have enough staff to keep track of stuff (as opposed to those in SoCal) proudly print, display, and update these docs. What am I talking about?
If you’re not sure whether or not your library system (school or public) has a Collection Development Policy in place, find out today. Chances are that the thing hasn’t been updated in a LONG time. If your library system is acquiring ebooks, the time has come to investigate.
Since their purpose is to ensure taxpayer funds are spent wisely, Collection Development policies should be reviewed and updated regularly, perhaps once per year. Doing so will allow the librarian to analyze what has worked and what doesn’t, i.e., what circs. Plus, s/he will be better able to purchase the “right stuff” for the upcoming year. Libraries need to take them seriously!
If you have no clue what I’m talking about…
In a nutshell, Collection Development Policies justify how money and energy (i.e., staff time) is spent acquiring and maintaining library materials. They don’t have to be overly complicated or long. But, they do include several different components that answer who, what, where, how, and why questions. A Collection Development Policy may include:
- Objectives – what is the main purpose of the school library (think both diocese & school)
- Needs analysis – who are the library’s users, and what do they need and want?
- Selection – how are items chosen, based on what criteria, e.g., reviews, copyright, credibility, etc.?
- Acquisition – who is responsible for selecting what? (Designate positions, committees, not names)
- Deselection (Weeding) – how are items removed from collection, based on circulation, copyright, condition, etc.?
- Evaluation of collection use – what methods are engaged to measure success of library’s materials?
- Policies & Procedures – what happens when…?
- For example, a student or parent challenges a book?
- I like this quote from ALA, “Your procedures should describe all steps from initial screening to final selection. They also should include provisions for coordinating among departments and professionals working at different learning levels, etc.; for handling recommendations from other faculty and students; and for reviewing existing materials (for possible replacement, etc.).
Read more about Collection Development Policies at the following sources:
- Great wiki, managed by YS librarians
- ALA provides extensive information on what collection development policies should include, however, the posted info hasn’t been updated since 1998, but it’s still a great place to start.
- ALA also provides a bibliography of links for evaluating library collections.
If you’re suddenly fired up about helping your library create or update its Collection Development Policy, there’s no need to start from scratch. Use the following sources to find examples of other Policies. Start a committee. Then borrow and build from these to create, revise, and update!
- Examples of School Library Collection Development Policies
- Examples of Public and other Collection Development Policies
