Library Collection Development

This paper discusses the concept of collection development and policy of central library IIT BHU and central library IIT Indore a comparative study. The study high lights the problems and process of library collection development, frequency revision and reasons for revision of policy both IIT libraries. Collection development is a dynamic and continuous activity. It involves the users, the library staff, and the subject experts on selection team. The process includes several activities such as the user’s needs, evaluation of current collections, determination of a selection policy, sources used for selection of documents. It is not an end in itself, but a means to develop a need-based, up-to date, and balanced collection fit to meet the document

It encompasses a number of activities related to the development of the library’s collection including the determination and coordination of selection policy, assessment of current and potential user needs, collection use studies, collection evaluation, identification of collection needs, selection of materials, planning of resource sharing, collection maintenance and weeding (Gorman and Howe’s, 1989; Clayton and Gorman, 2001). IIT libraries which are considered to be nerve centres of academic and research activities must help achieve the academic goals of their IITs and this is possible only through developing adequate library collection or providing seamless and wider access to relevant

COLLECTIONS DEVELOPMENT POLICIES

Collection Development Policy is a set of rules or norms adopted for developing the collection or stock in a library. It helps for systematic acquisition of library materials. It also encourages stability and continuity in the library operation. The planned development of a library 's collection requires the application of a stated collection development policy. No policy can be definitive for all time, since a library is not a static institution. Ideas about its nature and content are constantly evolving. Therefore, a library collection policy must be responsive to change.

A collections development policy is a guideline for the care and development of a library collection. It is a written statement prepared to guide the librarian in relation to planning, budgeting, selection and purchase of informational materials for a library. It is an essential communication tool for managers of libraries, to ensure continuity and consistency in the development of collections, even with the change of managers at the level of direction and finances. Therefore, it is an essential planning tool for the librarian safeguard and protects the collections against any kind of pressure personal. The collections development policy is formulated while keeping in mind the long term view of organization’s mission statement and strategic plan as the main concern of the collection manager. The policy should begin with organization’s mission statement and