Collection Development and Management for Electronic, Audiovisual, and Print Resources in Health Sciences Libraries

Linda J. Walton
Christa M. Modschiedler
Patricia M. Rodgers
BJ Schorre
Julie Schneider
Judith L. Rieke
Hope I. Barton, University of Iowa

Abstract

In the twelve years since the first Collection Development Policies and Procedures in Health Sciences Libraries was published, factors affecting collection development such as online access and shrinking budgets have dramatically changed the way collection development is managed. The revised publication will guide new and experienced collection development librarians as they identify and select appropriate resources for their library.

The Internet, the World Wide Web, and full-text online sources means that we now have competition for access to information through third party aggregators, publishers, and other commercial vendors. Library budgets continue to be cut as new formats for information are being developed. The library must now focus on the quality of its collection rather than quantity of its collection if they are to continue to meet the demands of their users, faculty, staff, students, and consumers who frequent the library locally and remotely.

The revised DocKit is designed to assist health sciences librarians with creating a policy that meets their needs as they look at quality, format, and value of a collection. The DocKit gives you examples and ideas to use in creating a document that reflects the mission and goals of your library. It includes five elements of a policy and includes examples designed for hospitals.