As a primary school librarian working in a very busy library of over 900 users and one staff member (me), my very first reaction to the topic of collection development policies was: I know what I am doing and certainly have no time for extra paperwork. Luckily, this thought was never uttered out loud.

Yes, it might be very tricky to fit the policy development into a very busy timetable, but it might just be the most essential tool for an overwhelmed librarian like me. I group the reasons behind this idea into four areas:

Acknowledgement

Maybe not the most important one, but certainly a great benefit of having a collection development policy is simply to let others know what it is that we are so busy with in the library. Too often we feel alone, with no one else really aware of all the intricate tasks that are involved in building and managing the library collection. A written policy would shed some light on the librarian’s job and make its intricacies more visible, as well as, perhaps, appreciated.

Consistency

Without the policy, the decisions are random, made without context (Johnson, 2018, p.83) and might end up wasting time and resources, both of which are already scarce. The principles dealt with in the policy ensure the consistency of work of the present library staff and the continuity of that work when handed over to any future staff. It is in the interest of students that this consistency and continuity is maintained at all times.

Accountability

We are accountable for our collection. It is our responsibility – in fact, a great one. What is available in the collection might just be one of the things that shape the young minds of our users.

Further, the policy allows the librarian demonstrate and document how the library is using its financial resources effectively (Johnson, 2018, p.82).

Support and protection

 A collection development policy is a tool that guides the collection analysis, helps set out a plan for how it will be developed and defines the parameters for that development (Johnson, 2018). The structure helps the librarian see things more clearly and therefore take the collection management decisions that are right for their users. Further, the policy can be a very useful tool to substantiate the financial needs of the library. Many libraries have suffered big cuts and a well designed policy document can actually assist in justifying costs by demonstrating what is really needed and why.

Above all, the policy protects the librarian against external pressures (Johnson, 2018, p.87) and should the need arise, from unfair accusations regarding the selection of resources and their management.

References:

American Library Association. (2017). Workbook for selection policy writing.

Johnson, P. (2009).  Fundamentals of collection development and management. (2nd ed). American Library Association.