Creating a collection development policy (CDP) is next on the agenda for my new school library. Having been a part of the library’s creation and having an integral role in collection development right from the beginning, I can see how it is necessary to put the big ideas to paper. Whilst a CDP was a known task on the to do list, I was consciously awaiting the absorption of new knowledge and understandings that would come along with this unit of study.
The module readings have brought my attention to many interesting components in need of consideration when establishing a CDP. In particular, I feel most pertinent is the need for a strong rationale that supports the school vision and also a mission statement that contains reference to the ASLA School Library Bill of Rights as well as the IFLA School Library Manifesto (updated version in finalisation stage). This will help to guide appropriate resource selection and also assist in any item challenges that may arise.
I believe that it is good practice to draw inspiration from other schools’ policy documents as a guide; but it is imperative that the policy be highly specific to the particular school context, containing overarching goals that are reflective of the school community. Notably, a comprehensive policy should include directives on both physical as well as digital collection items also. It is also important to note that there are definitive distinctions between policy and procedural library documents. The ‘policy’ is the what and why of the library, whereas the ‘procedure’ is the how.