Working with Library Collections

Library support staff who work with collections assist with the processes that put library materials on the shelf or online; this work requires knowledge and understanding of publishers, vendors, collection care, and item preparation. This is a text for library support staff programmes and an introductory reference manual for support staff who work in libraries.

This book will prepare support staff to:

• Know how to use an integrated library system and other appropriate online tools.
• Know the basic principles of collection development and management.
• Assist with decisions regarding selection, de-selection, retention, and replacement of all types of library resources.
• Apply the appropriate procedures to the processes that provide users with access to a wide variety of content.
• Know the ways in which content, in multiple formats, is produced and distributed to libraries.
• Understand the value of resource sharing agreements and apply them to collection decisions.
• Know and use the recognised standard evaluative sources to assist with collection development.
• Know the principles and practices of cataloguing materials.
• Know the principles and practices regarding the preservation of library resources.
• Apply appropriate methods and techniques to preparing library resources.
• Explain and apply policies regarding library collections.

The Library Support Staff series is aimed at staff that work in libraries and want to enhance their skills; college professors who teach library support staff instruction; and/or students who seek academic credit. Each book in the series addresses a specific course in an academic curriculum for library support staff. Content of each book in the series is aligned with American Library Association competencies for accredited programmes and learning for library support staff (ALA-LSSC). The text is written in clear language with practical examples of how performance can contribute to exemplary library service.