Many libraries and library types utilize collection development policies as the standard for guiding the content and format of current and future collections. While these documents retain value as a summary of departmental desires and acquisitions planning, the multidisciplinary nature of teaching and publishing may be diminishing their use and effectiveness as a means of disseminating library intent. The on-demand nature of new purchase and approval plans, along with the advent of patron-driven acquisitions, has affected much of the ability to engage in the same year-to-year planning best complemented by the traditional collection development policy. If these policies are to remain the standard, or part of a continuing comprehensive collections plan, they must be relevant, available, and understandable in the context of the entire process.