Collection development had in the past had been equated with building collections in excess to ensure resources were available in the collection just in case needed sometime in the future. The transition from print to electronic books, journals, and databases over the past ten years, combined with budgetary constraints and a culture of collection assessment, has resulted in libraries more closely evaluating purchasing levels. While electronic books and journals are often acquired by libraries in large packages, resulting in a decline in the need for title-by-title selection, subject specialists continue to fill an essential role in building, assessing, and managing collections in multiple formats, as well as developing new services to ensure users have effective access to resources.
This well-edited volume of contributed papers authored by experts in their respective fields is divided into four sections and 24 chapters. Section 1 lays the groundwork for the remaining sections by discussing a step-by-step approach for building collections in these difficult financial times. This is followed by a chapter on approval plans and the role vendors can play in assisting libraries with profiling as well as considering options such as patron driven acquisitions (PDA).
Section 2 addresses best practices for developing collections across broad subject disciplines such as business, law, engineering, and allied health fields. The final chapter in this section addresses the complexities of building collections for interdisciplinary programs. Section 3 examines selection for specific sub-areas within broader subject disciplines such as graphics, fashion, and interior design, juvenile literature, nursing, veterinary medicine, and bio-informatics. Each chapter in this section discusses approaches and available resources to assist selectors in building collections that will effectively support research and teaching in these sub-areas.
Section 4 presents case studies, models, projects, and survey results that support collection decisions in unique environments. Chapters include discussions on weeding projects, a project to upgrade an anatomy collection, and the value of implementing a faculty liaison program. The final chapter presents the results of a survey of North American librarians with responsibility for selecting for curriculum collections. The study focused on determining connections between collection practices and institutional environments.
The overall quality of the volume is excellent. Each chapter has been well researched, well organized and includes an extensive bibliography. The volume concludes with a comprehensive listing of references and an index. It is a recommended addition to library science collections and as a collection development tool for librarians and staff in academic libraries. New subject selectors in the library profession as well as selectors with many years of service would benefit from the content provided in this volume.
