Five Steps to Efficient, Economical Collection Development

Libraries' collection development funding seems limited in the best financial times. In worse economic situations, those resources prove even scarcer. To ensure that the constituents served by libraries receive the best possible materials to meet their needs, developers must set purchasing priorities before spending the first dollar. A five-step process can aid developers in wisely spending funds. First, developers should devote the largest portion of collection building funds to meeting direct patron needs. The next largest fund portion goes toward “core” materials singled out by respected recommendation resources specific to relevant disciplines or genres. Holdings data from libraries with notable collections offer an additional avenue for identifying necessary items. Freely available, quality materials offer another opportunity to plug holes or accentuate collection areas. Finally, resources craved by the developer but not critical to the collection, should be judiciously considered.