Collection Development and Management

Collection Development and Management may be for YOU, if you are interested in:

• Analyzing library patron information needs
• Selecting information resources to meet patron information needs
• Managing a budget that will be used to acquire information resources
• Managing electronic resources to meet patron information needs
• Choosing the best strategy (print versus electronic or subscription versus ILL/document delivery) for cost-effectively meeting patron information needs

Job Outlook for this field:

• Academic Libraries
• Book Wholesalers

The following positions frequently require collection development responsibilities as a component of the position:

• Subject Specialist in Academic Libraries
• Reference librarian
• Children's librarian
• Director of a school media center or small public library
• Electronic Document Access in Corporate, Academic, or Public Library Systems

Employers seek:

• Organizational and planning skills, ability to prioritize, good interpersonal skills, ability to manage a budget, political savvy, subject expertise, knowledge about publishing trends and electronic resources.

Opportunities to gain experience in this field:

• Internships through Indiana University and other libraries in Indiana

Professional Associations:

American Library Association, Association for Library Collections & Technical Services, Collection Management and Development Section