Collection management, also known as collection
development, is one of the most important (I would say the most
important) aspects of librarianship. If
one just looks at the most prevalent words to describe this activity in
librarianship, a number of associations come to mind that emphasize its
importance. In spite of this, it is
often overlooked, and when budgets need to be cut, the collection management
budget is one of the first to come under the blade. I’ve often wondered why this is, because
without collection development, and collection management, the collection
itself becomes stymied and staid. Even,
in some cases, obsolete. Let us explore
the terms “collection,” “management,” and “development” more closely. In this way, perhaps I can explain why I
believe that it is the preeminent activity in librarianship.
Let us begin with “collection”. This word evokes a number of meanings: things
like books, music, and ebooks, interviews and documents. These things can be recorded or written. They can be printed or electronically
generated. They are the records of
peoples and cultures, beliefs and attitudes, loves and hates, successes or
failures. They are the words or the
images that describe the best and the worst of a nation, continent or
hemisphere. The word “collection” also
conjures up images of groups and gatherings, compilations and anthologies, assortments
and assemblies—not just of ideas but of the people who think them. The Constitutional Conventions of early
American History were gatherings of some of the greatest men—and ideas in the
history of mankind. Collections are
important and they are necessary to the vitality of a culture. Without them, cultures tend to diminish and
eventually, die.
The next word in this realm of possibility is
“development”. I chose this as the
second word to explore because the word itself implies “a place between”
something that is not just beginning, but something, also, that is not fully
formed. “Development” is growth and
change, adaptation and evolution. It is
also collaboration (with the departments or members within a group).Through collaboration,
the collection expands, progresses and advances. “Development” also evokes images of maturity
and education, and these states of being lead to improvement and
enhancement. Things in “development” are
always getting better, becoming stronger, and enhancing the things or people
that come in contact with them. The
ideas and images that surround “collection” and “development” are positive and
lead to greatness. This supports the
argument that enhancing a library’s collection is the most important activity
in librarianship.
Finally, we come to the word “management” in our
exploration of the meaning of terms. “Management”
can have both positive and negative connotations, and must be treated
carefully. The first word to come to
mind might be “control” but I suggest that this word be replaced with
“responsibility.” Someone has to be in
charge and guide the growth and integrity of the collection. This is where management comes in. Organization is needed, as well as
administration—someone must serve the needs of the collection and its
users. This does not mean a tight fist
should be used; instead, management of a collection should incorporate
flexibility according to the needs of the patrons. A strategy—a policy—is extremely important in
collection management, because without a plan, it is impossible to deal
efficiently or effectively with the goals of a library’s community. Knowledge and information are important, but
so is use of resources—the collection cannot lead to development and growth if
it is never opened or accessed. It is
only through use that patrons have success, and something—an idea, an invention,
a project or a theory—comes to exist. Of
course, budgetary issues must be addressed as well. There are very few organizations that have no
limits on spending. I think anyone would
love the idea of “the-sky’s-the-limit” for a library budget, but it most
cases—sadly—that is a situation that is impossible.
Collection management (or development) is the most
important duty of a library because it is this task that makes resources
accessible to the community the library serves.
A collection is the core of a culture and it is only through the
gathering of these materials that ideas, knowledge and understanding can be
changed, expanded and enhanced. A
collection never stops “becoming.” It is ever-changing and always
expanding. It is full of possibility. It is possibility. Through collection development, brought under
the guidance of management, the collection of a community (whether of a city,
university or other organization) can grow, mature and evolve, hopefully to the
advantage of that community.
