The Australian Library and Information Association [ALIA] (2020), sets out the knowledge, skills and attributes that information professionals are expected to acquire over their career. While on placement at the MRCC Library and Knowledge Hubs, I was able to spend significant time focusing on processes and practices relating to information management, in particular, ways in which to ‘…appraise and assess the significance of collections… establish priorities and implement decisions about their use, retention and disposal’ (ALIA, 2020, pg. 2, para. 9). The practical experience gained during this time, complimented the theoretical knowledge gained in ‘ETL503 – Resourcing the Curriculum’ (Charles Sturt University [CSU], 2023) and gave me deep insights into active, evidence-based decision making, especially in the context of the iterative resource selection, acquisition, de-selection, and evaluation cycle.
The collection development processes at the MRCC Library and Knowledge Hubs are governed by a strict set of policies and procedures that ensure consistency, and quality, across the consortium. O’Connell et al. (2015) point out that effective collection development policies explicitly outline the decision-making processes for the selection, acquisition, and deselection of resources and are essential to providing an effective and relevant library service. Operational policies for the MRCC libraries are stored in a central database with a Library Officer allocated to the development and oversight of each policy, including the addition of any ad-hoc amendments and the undertaking of yearly reviews. I was given the opportunity to examine the ways in which policies are created, enacted and managed through a digital staff portal. The database offered clear and accessible overviews of the processes involved in each step of collection development and included both descriptive information, and visual examples, to promote standardisation across library branches. Being able to view the policy database, and work with various Library Officers as they put the collection development practices in action, has helped me to identify the need to initiate a policy data base, on a smaller scale, in my own school library.
Sound collection development process not only ensure that current practices maintain a high level of continuity but also guarantee that patron needs continue to be met in the context of a rapidly changing information environment (Debowski, 2001; Kimmel, 2014; Mitchell, 2021; Feighan, 2015; Kennedy, 2005). By explicitly placing the goal of supporting a ‘…healthy, respectful and connected community…’ as central to the MRCC Libraries and Knowledge Hubs ethos (Mildura Rural City Council, 2025e, para. 8), Library Officers aim to be cognisant of changing literary trends, emerging technologies, new community needs and evolving patron interests. Collaboration and communication through face to face and virtual meetings, enable staff to use this knowledge to inform the collection development process and adapt service delivery. Furthermore, enacting the guidelines of peak library bodies through clear collection development policies and processes, enhances the overall status of the library within the wider community and ensures that the library is recognised and funded as a vital resource, central to the educational, cultural and recreational needs of the Sunraysia community (ALIA, 2024; ALIA & ASLA, 2016; IFLA, 2015).
Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership Limited (AITSL). (2022). Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership 2011, Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. AITSL. Melbourne.
Australian Library and Information Association. (2020). Foundation knowledge, skills and attributes for information professionals working in archives, libraries and records management. https://read.alia.org.au/foundation-knowledge-skills-and-attributes-relevant-information-professionals-working-archives-
Australian Library and Information Association. (2024). ALIA core values policy statement. https://read.alia.org.au/alia-core-values-policy-statement-0
Australian Library and Information Association School & Victorian Catholic Teacher Librarians. (2007). A manual for developing policies and procedures in Australian school library resource centres. https://asla.org.au/policy-development-manual
Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) & Australian School Library Association (ASLA). (2016). Joint Statement on school library resource provision. https://asla.org.au/resources/Documents/Website%20Documents/Policies/policy_School_Library_Resource_Provision.pdf
Charles Sturt University [CSU]. (2023). ETL503 – Resourcing the Curriculum. https://handbook.csu.edu.au/subject/2024/ETL503
Debowski, S. (2001). Collection management policies. In K. Dillon, J. Henri & J. McGregor (Eds.), Providing more with less: collection management for school libraries (2nd ed., pp. 126-136).
Feighan, D. (2015). Building a school library collection to keep up with the digital age. FYI: The Journal for the School Information Professional. 19(3), 6–12.
International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions School Libraries Section Standing Committee. (2015). IFLA school library guidelines. https://www.ifla.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/assets/school-libraries-resource-centers/publications/ifla-school-library-guidelines.pdf
Kennedy, J. (2005). A Collection Development Policy for Digital Information Resources? The Australian Library Journal, 54(3), 238–244.
Kimmel, S. C. (2014). Developing collections to empower learners. American Association of School Librarians.
Mildura Rural City Council. (2025e). Council plan 2025-2029. https://www.mildura.vic.gov.au/Council/Policies-plans-and-strategies/Community-Vision-Council-Plan
Mitchell, P. (2011). Resourcing 21st century online Australian curriculum: The role of school libraries. FYI: the Journal for the School Information Professional, 15(2), 10-15.
O’Connell, J., Bales, J., & Mitchell, P. (2015). Literature in digital environments: Changes and emerging trends in Australian school libraries. In L. Das, S. Brand-Gruwel, K. Kok, & J. Walhout (Eds.), 2015: IASL Conference Proceedings (Maastricht, Netherlands): The School Library Rocks: Living it, Learning it, Loving it (pp. 324-337). International Association of School Librarianship. https://doi.org/10.29173/iasl7467
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/