by mandy2954 -

Collection Development Policy

The Collection Development Process based on Oddone, K. (2019). School library collection development: It’s not as simple as you might think. Linking Learning. https://www.linkinglearning.com.au/school-library-collection-development-its-not-as-simple-as-you-might-think/

As a TL, before I started collection management, I would reflect upon the core values of librarianship that were developed by Ranganathan (1928), as they underpin all policies and practices of the library which should be evident when I develop and manage a collection.

I would start stocktaking and evaluation the collection, so I was aware what was in the collection, what was being borrowed, what was popular, what was not being popular or not being borrowed, the currency of the text, assessing if the texts were of quality or not.

The once I was aware of the collections content and I had evaluated it, I could begin the follow the collection development process.

The key considerations would I make when applying collection development steps to a school library collection would be to consider and apply the 5 Laws of Library Science (Ranganathan, 1928) together with Gorman’s (1998) additional thinkings and more modern thinkings that are considerate of the adapting and changing environments before, during and after the process as they should guide me as a TL:

  • Books are for use- libraries serve humanity
  • Every person his or her book- respect all forms by which knowledge is communicated
  • Every book its reader- using technology intelligently to enhance service
  • Save the time of the reader- protect free access to knowledge
  • A library is a growing organism- honour the past and create the future

One thing that is missing or that needs to be considered in Oddone’s (2019) process is the school library’s financial resources. If funds were limited it may not be wise to cull a lot of books at once if they were unable to be replaced. A wish list may need to be created and prioritised that could be purchased as funds became available and priority would need to be given to curriculum mentor texts that would be required to be purchased. Consideration would also need to be given to appropriateness of texts, digital subscriptions to ensure they do not breach any employer policies.

There are differences between collection development and collection management processes.

Collection development involves a process that is a continual cycle that should be reviewed at certain intervals determined by a TL. Steps of collection development according to Oddone (2019) include:

  • needs analysis
  • selection according to criteria
  • acquisition
  • catologuing
  • processing
  • stocktaking and evaluation
  • weeding

Collection management defines processes and procedures involved in maintaining a library collection. Dixon suggests that collection management ‘includes all the processes, from selection to conservation of library materials, to meet the needs of users within budgetary and resource constraints’ (Dixon, 2002 cited in Chowdhury, et al. 2007). When selecting content for acquisition it needs to be accurate and unbiased.

One of the most notable points that Oddone (2019) discusses about the role of the TL in collection development and management is that it is an important element of a TL librarian role, that TLs should uphold various rights that follow a myriad of organisations such as the United Nations, as well as The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). The diversity of the school community should be reflected in collections based on such elements as class, gender, ethnicity, religion with consideration of the ethos of school and its’ policies. Anti-censorship it important and making the collection accessible to all students while be non-judgemental.

Reference List

Chowdhury, GG., Burton, PF., McMenemy, D., Poulter, A. Collection management and collection development. In: Librarianship: An Introduction. Facet. (2007) 65-72.

Gorman, M. (1998). Our singular strengths: mediation for librarians. American Library Association, Chicago.

Oddone, K. (2019). School library collection development: It’s not as simple as you might think. Linking Learning. https://www.linkinglearning.com.au/school-library-collection-development-its-not-as-simple-as-you-might-think/

Ranganathan, S. (1928). The Five Laws of Library Sciences. The Madras Library Association, London.

 

by mandy2954 -

The role of TL

Unveiling the Joys and Rewards of School Library Work

The annual Softlink School Library Survey asked a number of open-ended questions to school library staff, providing an opportunity for them to share their thoughts about working in school libraries across Australia.

Themes that emerged in the survey include challenges staff face and that staffs’ enthusiasm and passion for their roles supporting their school communities including:

  • Cultivating a love of reading
  • Contributing to teaching and learning
  • Engaging with students and staff
  • The variety of the role
  • Providing a safe and welcoming space
  • Books! Books! Books!
  • Supporting research and information literacy

There was an emphasis on how working in school libraries fosters and nurtures a passion for reading, supports reluctant and struggling reader into enthusiastic ones, facilitates the discovery of different books and genres while actively participating in students reading journeys.

Staff mentioned their work was fulfilling and there was often deep engagement, meaningful relationships, positive and rewarding interactions with both students and staff members that contributed to the school community.

Library staff expressed that working in school libraries provided them with enriching experiences where they could create secure and inviting environments for students by creating a dedicated space that not only fostered and nutured a passion for reading but also encouraged student development while also fostering innovation and supporting academic exploration.

School library staff expressed fulfilment in connecting students with reliable resources, teaching students to evaluate information critically, and fostering a passion for research and information literacy.

Library staff enjoyed supporting teaching and learning through student engagement, collection development, and collaborative endeavours with teachers.

One of the most common themes to appear in the survey that teaching staff enjoyed was variety of the role, the constant change, the unpredictability, and the opportunity to be constantly learning.

Working in a school library was highlighted as an immersive experience of being surrounded by books, celebrating their presence, and sharing their passion for books with
others.

Australian_School_Libraries_Share_Unveiling_the_Joys_and_Rewards_of_School_Library_Work.pdf (softlinkint.com)

Why is this survey important to school libraries and teacher librarians in Australia?

This report is of great significance to school libraries and teacher librarians in Australia as it provides a voice and gives weight to the thoughts of those most qualified and experienced to discuss school libraries.

Libraries are just not a place to quietly read a book but are places of great magic that include so much more. Students are provided with opportunities such as research, opportunities to explore different topics and genres of books where they can further expand their own interests, become exposed to new learning and put that learning into practice in the classroom and beyond. Skills taught during library lessons can be transferred to the classroom and skill students for real world applications that they can carry into their adult and working lives.

By providing teacher librarians an opportunity to have their voices heard also validates them and their opinions as it can also be a lonely role as it is specialised and not directly linked to a particular teaching stage in a school where collegial relationships are often formed.

This survey also allowed for trends or themes to be analysed to see commonalities or differences, areas of strength or weakness, areas of growth or decline.

This survey has allowed me to reflect and learn about different views of teacher librarians to expand my knowledge and awareness of the roles that they play in school communities and further embed their importance.