Collection Management Basics

This eighth edition provides an essential toolkit for navigating the complex realities of modern library collection management, covering the entire lifecycle from selection and acquisition to deselection and preservation. It directly addresses the significant challenges facing information professionals today, offering practical strategies for developing appropriate resource collections across all library types. The text stands out for its thorough integration of contemporary issues, including the legal frameworks and intellectual freedom considerations that are increasingly central to collection development work.

What makes this guide particularly valuable is its balanced approach between foundational principles and evolving practices, making it equally useful for both LIS students and seasoned professionals needing to update their skills. The discussion of legal issues in collection development provides crucial context for making informed decisions in today's complex information landscape. Readers will come away with a comprehensive understanding of how to build and maintain collections that truly serve their communities while navigating ethical and practical constraints.