Managing a Curriculum Materials Collection: One Academic Library Experience

Abstract

Curriculum materials center (CMC) collections in academic libraries play a vital role in supporting teacher education programs. The collection items consist of print and non-print materials including nontraditional items such as kits, games, models, and toys. Following a comprehensive literature review of research on CMC collections, this study seeks to raise awareness of the role played by curriculum materials centers in the history of teacher education and the challenges faced by the CMC librarians. The article provides a general overview of the CMC at Long Island University (LIU) Post library and describes local collection development strategies and issues in collection access and maintenance.