[Mla-cds] Responses to Collection Development Policies - Antiquated?

[Amanda Chiplock]

Hello List,

 

Upon the topic of collection development policies (cdp) and whether or not
they are antiquated, below is a summary of my findings. There weren't many
responses - thanks all those who did respond! 

 

1.    Many medical libraries (who responded) are working on updating their
cdp and not sure where to start because information and information needs
are constantly changing;

2.    Many of those who responded are using Selection Guidelines, or
Philosophies (either print or online) instead of traditional cdp;

.         EX: Collection Development Philosophy
https://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/diglib/collections/collectiondevelopment.html

3.    An idea for cdp may be to create a "living document," so that it is
flexible and referred to often. The idea is that many traditional collection
development policies are not tailored to the specific library and could
easily be applied to any library. Many times, this type of "cut and paste"
document is not easily updated, and is frequently ignored as time moves on,
making it less relevant; 

4.    Updated cdp are including online resources (e-books, journals,
databases, etc.);

5.    Older cdp are being broken down into smaller subject areas - instead
of individual policies for each subject area;

6.    Creating and maintaining a cdp is slowing becoming a practice of the
past - however, many libraries seem unsure as to what should replace it, if
anything. 

 

In conclusion, I have enough evidence to determine that the traditional cdp
are antiquated, and so might the whole idea of them be. However, some type
of document needs to emerge that is tailored to specific libraries and their
patrons, with the flexibility to grow and change at a moment's notice. I
feel that there definitely needs to be some sort of guideline to start out
with, if just for consistency purposes and to defend purchasing/weeding
decisions. So, I will work to create such a document/system/policy and will
be happy to share the final product with all those interested. I may even
produce a paper/study on this whole process - it seems there is an interest
in this type of study.

 

If anyone has further information/questions/suggestions, please feel free to
contact me.

 

Thanks! 

 

Amanda

 

Amanda Chiplock, M.L.I.S.

Acquisitions /Collection Development Librarian

Health Professions Division Library

Nova Southeastern University 

3200 S. University Dr. 

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328 

954-262-3122 or ext. 2-3122

954-262-1821 (fax)

ac1815 at nova.edu

 

 

 

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