"Library collection development is the process of systematically building the collection of a particular library to meet the information needs of the library users..."
The process of selecting and acquiring materials to build and maintain a special collections collection, including donor relations, appraisal, and deaccessioning.
Selection and acquisition: This involves the process of choosing and acquiring materials for the special collections. It includes the development of selection policies, fundraising for acquisitions, and negotiating with donors.
Collection policies: This refers to the guidelines and parameters that govern the scope, depth, and content of the special collections. It includes decisions on subject areas, formats, and criteria for inclusion.
Preservation and conservation: This refers to the processes of maintaining and protecting the special collections. It includes strategies for handling, storage, and access to materials, as well as conservation techniques for restoring and repairing damaged items.
Cataloging and classification: This involves organizing and describing the special collection materials to facilitate access and discovery. It includes the use of standard cataloging tools and metadata schemes, such as MARC, Dublin Core, and EAD.
Digital technologies: This includes the use of digital tools and platforms for creating, managing, and accessing special collections. It includes the digitization of materials, the creation of digital archives, and the use of digital repositories and discovery tools.
Outreach and promotion: This involves engaging with users, donors, and other stakeholders to raise awareness and support for the special collections. It includes marketing, social media, and public programming.
Ethics and legal issues: This involves the ethical and legal considerations related to the acquisition, use, and disposal of special collections materials. It includes issues such as copyright, intellectual property, and repatriation.
Appraisal and deaccessioning: This involves the evaluation and decision-making processes related to the ongoing curation of the special collections. It includes strategies for determining the value and relevance of materials, as well as the ethical considerations involved in disposing of items.
Collection analysis and assessment: This involves the ongoing analysis and assessment of the special collections to ensure that they meet the needs of users and stakeholders. It includes the use of quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate the scope, depth, and quality of collections.
Rare Books and Manuscripts: These are collections of books, manuscripts, and other documents that are considered rare or unique. They may include ancient texts, first editions of famous works, and other items that are valuable for their historical or literary significance.
Archives and Records: These collections focus on the preservation and management of historical records, such as government documents, personal letters, and other materials that shed light on past events and cultures.
Photographs and Visual Materials: These collections may include photographs, prints, drawings, and other forms of visual media that document historical events, artistic movements, or cultural traditions.
Audiovisual Materials: These collections may include recordings of speeches, music performances, and other types of audiovisual media that have historical or cultural significance.
Maps and Geospatial Data: These collections focus on the preservation and management of maps, globes, and other geospatial data that provide insight into the history and geography of regions around the world.
Natural History Collections: These collections may include specimens of plants, animals, and other natural objects that have scientific or educational value.
Artifacts and Museum Objects: These collections may include artifacts and other objects that have cultural or historical significance, such as ancient pottery or works of art.
Digital Collections: These collections consist of digital materials, such as electronic books, databases, and other online resources, that can be accessed and used remotely by researchers and students.
"...to meet the information needs of the library users (a service population) in a timely and economical manner..."
"According to the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)..."
"...methodological and topical themes pertaining to acquisition of print and other analogue library materials..." and "...the licensing and purchase of electronic information resources."
"Collection development involves activities that need a librarian or information professional who is specialized in improving the library's collection."
"The process includes the selection of information materials that respond to the users or patrons need..."
"...as well as de-selection of unwanted information materials, called weeding."
"It also involves the planning strategies for continuing acquisition..."
"...evaluation of new information materials and the existing collection..."
"...in order to determine how well a particular library serves its users."
"...using information resources locally held as well as resources from other organizations."
"...by purchase, exchange, gift, legal deposit..."
"A librarian or information professional who is specialized in improving the library's collection."
"...de-selection of unwanted information materials, called weeding."
"...to meet the information needs of the library users..."
"...the licensing and purchase of electronic information resources."
"...selection of information materials that respond to the users or patrons need..."
"...de-selection of unwanted information materials, called weeding."
"...planning strategies for continuing acquisition..."
"...determine how well a particular library serves its users."