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Collection Development Policy Edwardsville Public Library Adopted January 20, 2004, Edwardsville Public Library provides materials to meet the informational, educational, cultural, and recreational

How to fill out collection development policy

Who needs collection development policy?

1. Libraries: Collection development policies are essential for libraries of all types, including public libraries, school libraries, academic libraries, and special libraries. These policies help guide librarians in selecting, acquiring, maintaining, and weeding materials to meet the needs of their patrons.
2. Librarians: Collection development policies provide librarians with a framework and set of guidelines to follow when making decisions about which materials to add to a library's collection. These policies ensure that librarians have a consistent and transparent process for selecting materials that align with the library's mission and the needs of its users.
3. Library Management: Collection development policies are important for library management as they help define the scope and goals of the library's collection. These policies outline the criteria for accepting gifts or donations, the process for budget allocation, and the overall management of the collection. They also serve as a tool for evaluating the effectiveness of the library's collection development efforts.

How to fill out a collection development policy:

1. Define the library's mission and goals: Start by clearly articulating the library's mission and goals related to its collection. Consider the library's user demographic, the community it serves, and any specific objectives the library aims to achieve with its collection.
2. Establish selection criteria: Determine the criteria for selecting materials to be added to the collection. Consider factors such as the relevance of the material to the library's mission, accuracy and quality of content, popularity or demand, authority of the author or publisher, cost, and format options (print, digital, audio, etc.).
3. Set budget allocation guidelines: Determine how budget resources will be allocated for collection development. Consider factors such as the library's overall budget, anticipated needs, and priorities. Establish a process for periodically reviewing and adjusting the budget allocation to ensure it aligns with the library's goals.
4. Outline the acquisition process: Define the procedures and responsibilities for acquiring new materials. This may include the steps involved in evaluating potential acquisitions, ordering materials, receiving and cataloging them, and processing invoices or payments.
5. Specify collection maintenance and weeding procedures: Detail how the library will maintain and weed its collection to ensure it remains relevant and up-to-date. Establish guidelines for assessing the condition, usage, currency, and relevance of materials, as well as the process for removing outdated or damaged items.
6. Address collection diversity and inclusivity: Consider how the collection development policy will support diverse and inclusive representation. Outline guidelines for ensuring a variety of perspectives, voices, and cultures are represented in the collection. This may involve actively seeking out materials from underrepresented groups or incorporating feedback from the community.
7. Define policies for accepting gifts or donations: If the library accepts gifts or donations, establish procedures for evaluating and accepting or declining such contributions. Determine whether these materials will be subject to the same selection criteria as purchased materials or if there are any specific guidelines for accepting donated items.
8. Involve stakeholders and seek feedback: Engage library staff, patrons, and relevant stakeholders in the development of the collection development policy. Seek feedback and input during the drafting process and consider establishing a review process to periodically evaluate and update the policy as needed to reflect changing needs and priorities.

Remember, each collection development policy should be tailored to the individual library's needs, mission, and goals. Regularly review and update the policy to ensure it remains relevant and effective in meeting the evolving needs of the community it serves.

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What is collection development policy?

Collection development policy is a framework that guides libraries and institutions in the selection, acquisition, and management of their collections.

Who is required to file collection development policy?

Libraries and institutions that have collections are required to file a collection development policy.

How to fill out collection development policy?

Collection development policy can be filled out by identifying the goals and objectives of the collection, outlining the selection criteria, and specifying the roles and responsibilities of staff.

What is the purpose of collection development policy?

The purpose of collection development policy is to provide a clear and consistent framework for the management of collections, ensure that resources are allocated effectively, and support the mission of the institution.

What information must be reported on collection development policy?

Collection development policy typically includes information on the selection criteria, acquisition methods, deselection process, budget allocation, and collection assessment.