Collection Development

The collection is the heart of the library. Everything revolves around the library's resources, be they hard copy, non-print, vertical file, or digital. Without that collection, the library's staff is unable to provide quality service, answer questions, and teach patrons how to perform legal research. Because basic collection development theory applies to all libraries, this chapter concentrates on the major differences between standard collection development theory and practice and the theories and practices specific to law librarianship. Furthermore, differences between law library specifics and public law library needs are highlighted. A discussion of the various formats, their advantages and disadvantages could entail a full-length monograph; therefore, this discussion concentrates on the basics and then only as format determination impacts the public law library's collection development plan. Several excellent collection development titles are listed in the Additional Reading section at the end of this chapter for those interested in a collection development refresher course. Further discussion of digital resources, including format advantages/disadvantages, electronic licenses, package or bundle sales, digital resources, and contracts in general appears in chapter 8. Collection maintenance, weeding, and discard procedures are reviewed in the Technical Services chapter.