The module readings introduce the idea of ‘patron driven acquisition’, which is essentially the process by which resources are acquired based upon user demand. Usually, a collection of titles and their metadata information is loaded into the catalogue system and when a patron seeks to ‘borrow’ this item (typically an e-resource), it triggers the back-end purchasing of this resource for the collection.
In the context of working as a teacher librarian in a primary school, I believe that students should have a voice in what they would like to see as part of the collection available to them. Would a patron driven acquisition system work in this setting? Maybe yes for an ebook collection, however regarding the physical collection, there needs to be an ‘oversee-er’ to ensure that a collection is well-developed and balanced – but should still include input from students. Part of the resource selection and acquisition process that I use has involved the simple addition of a suggestion box, which has resulted in many great student recommendations.
I actively seek to include texts that are suggested by reluctant readers in particular, to help develop and foster their love of reading for leisure. I have also created on online link to a Google forms document, that sits on our comprehensive school Library website I recently established, whereby students are able to submits this book request online. This form is available for parent and teacher book suggestions also.
One of the prompts from the module reading asks: “who should have the final say on what is included and why?” The expertise of the teacher librarian in collection development and management is paramount for the process of final decision making. As a teacher first and foremost, the teacher librarian is the curriculum specialist who has deep familiarity with the Key Learning Area subject requirements and also the cross curriculum priorities for students across all stages. This knowledge is invaluable when it comes to sourcing and selecting quality resources. In the end, someone has make the decision, so it makes sense that it is the trained and qualified teacher librarian!
Reference
O’Connell, J., FitzGerald, L. & Mitchell, P. (2022). 1. The school library collection [Learning module]. ETL503: Resourcing the curriculum. Interact https://interact2.csu.edu.au/webapps/blackboard/content/listContent.jsp?course_id=_59966_1&content_id=_4906009_1&mode=view