Where are the children in children’s collections? An exploration of ethical principles and practical concerns surrounding children’s participation in collection development

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article takes a theoretical approach to children’s involvement in the development of children’s collections. The article explores whether children have the right to be involved in the development of children’s collections and considers whether children’s literature is children’s culture. The article discusses practical considerations of representation and competence, and examines application of principles to children’s collections in different environments: school libraries, public libraries, academic libraries, and archives. The article recommends that where children are using children’s collections, they have a right to be involved in their development, and advocates further research into methods of engaging children with collection development.