Writing a Collection Development Policy for an Academic Library

Abstract

The need for written collection development policies for libraries is being recognized and increasingly as budgets and space continue to shrink. A regularly updated policy provides a valuable tool for collection planning, development, and evaluation. Purposes and types of policies are discussed, and a recommendation is made concerning the most useful type of document for academic libraries. Guides and models are suggested, and a step-by-step methodology is provided, including selection of the person or group responsible for the project, content, and format of the document, and gathering use of information. Levels of collecting are discussed and a sample selection policy is appended.