Centralized Collection Development and Branch Library Acquisitions

Abstract

Collection development is a cardinal responsibility of librarians. In the context of a library system with a main library and one or more branches, responsibility for collection development in many cases are centralized in the main library. In other cases, collection development responsibility rests entirely with the branch staff and primary clientele. Centralized collection development represents one extreme. Collection development autonomy for the site is seen as the other extreme. Responsibility shared by central and site staff is suggested as a more balanced and logical approach. Responsiveness to user needs is a key criterion of quality for branch library services. The close relationship between branch library staff and primary clientele produces a unique environment, including services expectations unfamiliar to and unacceptable to centralized operations. It is vital that branch librarians be involved if collection development is to be effective.