Making a Collection Count: Collection Management Basics

Make your collection count! This course covers collection management basics from selection to weeding and the entire life cycle of a collection in between. A holistic approach to collection management will help all types and sizes of libraries to keep pace with the demands and expectations of their communities.

Learning outcomes: 

• Identify how a library’s collection policy supports its vision, mission, and values and defends intellectual freedom.
•    Understand how each part of the collection life cycle contributes to collection quality: selection, acquisitions, cataloging, processing, use, shelving, repair, and weeding
•    Identify and utilize data to make collection decisions
•     Weed respectfully and responsibly
•     Understand the practicalities of physical space, from shelving and signage to classification systems and displays
•      Formulate a collection budget that efficiently allocates funds across formats and subject areas.
•     Reflect on the future of library collections: Libraries of Things seed libraries, and other collection trends

Course Audience: This class is ideal for collection development learners and practitioners across the spectrum of roles, such as library science students, new collection managers, and as a refresher for experienced professionals.