Reflecting upon the blog article by Oddone (2019), the role of the TL in collection development and management is pivotal to the successful implementation of the process. It is important to note though, the importance of the TL working closely with colleagues, students and other library patrons throughout the process.
Essentially, because teacher librarians (TLs) work within the Library space day-in, day-out, they oversee the every day running of the Library and so are best equipped to make decisions on collection development and management. TLs see first-hand which texts are being borrowed frequently, which resources are being asked for but are not available, which subjects are most and least popular. TLs are then able to apply this context-specific knowledge to the development and management of their collections, following the process outlined by Oddone (2019); where they begin in that cycle depends on the knowledge that they have acquired. For example, if students are frequently asking for books about dinosaurs and the Library does not have any, the TL may conduct a needs analysis, select the appropriate texts and then acquire them, thus beginning the collection development cycle.
TLs provide consistency in regards to collection management. By establishing a collection management policy, the TL is able to ensure a methodical approach to the maintenance of the collection. This also ensures that the library efficiently meets its purpose, and that it operates in accordance with Ranganathan’s proposed laws of library science.
References
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/
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