Budget Considerations
Whilst an overarching budget plan considers the mission of the library, Johnson (2018, p 102) looks to both internal and external factors that affect library needs and in turn shape the budgeting considerations. An “environmental scan” (Johnson, 2018 p. 102) or data gathering exercise must take place to establish the needs and wants of the user community. In addition to this, reports reflecting the borrowing habits of users over a period of time can be created using the library database (Library systems such as OLIVER provide functions to allow TLs to analyse resource (as well as borrower) usage). Output measures such as these allow the TL to confidently present any budgetary proposal supported by relevant and current data.
The changing face of the user community is an important force whereby new programs for student groups (support, special reading programs, gifted) require resourcing. Surveys conducted through collaborative work with the classroom teachers may highlight further requirements to resource certain program areas such as “recreational resources, information resources, or new areas of emphasis” (Johnson, 2018 p. 102).
When considering internal factors, the collection mix is to be examined. Whilst recognising the physical aspect of the collection, books and serials for example, added pressures come with the need to respond to user demand for e-resources. Kennedy (2005) discusses the possibility of having a separate policy devoted to digital resources or a policy document that combines attention to both print and digital resources (p. 239). He argues that different considerations are to be given to digital resources, whereby appropriate hardware and software are made available and “rapid obsolescence may make it difficult or impossible to access a resource created several years earlier” (p. 242).
The rapid and constantly evolving face of the world of e-resources also points to the question of whether it is necessary to regularly and more frequently revisit the policy. Surely some comparison of print to e-resource usage where a library holds the same resources across different formats must also be considered if output measures are being considered as a basis for library budgets (Kennedy, 2005, p.243)? Again this is where usage reports would be useful to allow data driven reflection/future decision making. Johnston (2018, p. 105) sees many library budgets now viewing the collection holistically whereby the materials are selected based on collecting priorities and need, taking into account the projected demands of the patrons as opposed to budgeting according to calculating and maintaining size of the effective collection (Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) Schools & Victorian Catholic Teacher Librarians, 2017).
References:
Australian School Library Association & Victorian Catholic Teacher Librarians. (2017). A manual for developing policies and procedures in Australian school library resource centres. file:///C:/Users/margaret.smith/Downloads/alia_schools_developing_policies_and_procedures_manual_2017_0.pdf
Johnson, P. (2018). Fundamentals of collection development and management, 4th Edition. ALA Editions.
Kennedy, J. (2005). A collection development policy for digital information resources? The Australian Library Journal, 54(3), 238-244. https://doi.org/10.1080/00049670.2005.10721761