Collection Development for a New Century in the School Library Media Center - Libraries Unlimited Professional Guides in School Librarians

About the Book

As the role of the school library media specialist continues to evolve, and dependence on technology increases, collection development for the school library media center becomes increasingly complex. Collection Development for a New Century in the School Library Media Center provides an overview of the issues and problems along with strategies for solutions. A complete list of collection development resources will aid the library school student, new librarian, and experienced librarian alike in building a collection that best meets the needs of their school in the 21st century.

Beginning with a discussion of collection development as both art and science, the author demonstrates how a collection should reflect the culture of the community that it serves. He advises school library media specialists on creating collection development policies, particularly with regard to protecting the collection from censorship, and presents strategies for balancing print and nonprint resources. He concludes with an individual examination of each of the major aspects of the collection (fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and biography), with suggestions for developing each. School library media specialists, using the principles outlined here, will be empowered in assisting both teachers and students with quality resources to support the school curricula.

Book Synopsis

As the role of the school library media specialist continues to evolve, and dependence on technology increases, collection development for the school library media center becomes increasingly complex. Collection Development for a New Century in the School Library Media Center provides an overview of the issues and problems along with strategies for solutions. A complete list of collection development resources will aid the library school student, new librarian, and experienced librarian alike in building a collection that best meets the needs of their school in the 21st century.

Beginning with a discussion of collection development as both art and science, the author demonstrates how a collection should reflect the culture of the community that it serves. He advises school library media specialists on creating collection development policies, particularly with regard to protecting the collection from censorship, and presents strategies for balancing print and nonprint resources. He concludes with an individual examination of each of the major aspects of the collection (fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and biography), with suggestions for developing each. School library media specialists, using the principles outlined here, will be empowered in assisting both teachers and students with quality resources to support the school curricula.

Review Quotes

?[w]ould help both new and experienced librarians provide students and teachers with valuable resources.?-School Library Journal

?[A] handsome new volume aimed at guiding school library media specialists in the strategic are of developing collections. Greenwood has added it to prestigious school library series.... Collection Development for a New Century is a welcome addition to the colection development literature and is highly recommended both to school library media specialists now practicing in the field and students of collection development still taking formal coursework in preperation for careers in elementary or secondary schools.?-Technicalities

?The author offers excellent guidance to ensure that formats are conducive to the development of information literacy and critical thinking skills....This title is certain to refresh and redefine a complex but rewarding task.?-Teacher Librarian

?Theories and concepts of collection development, comprehensive lists of selection tools, the role of technology in the process, and censorship issues are all discussed....both thought-provoking and practical--an excellent combination for any reader of professional literature.?-School Library Journal

?This text is one of the more reflective, theoretical, and historical on school library collection development, making it a useful followup to practical titles, such as Collection Program in Schools by Phyllis J. Van Orden and Kay Bishop (Libraries Unimited, 2001)?-VOYA

"Ýw¨ould help both new and experienced librarians provide students and teachers with valuable resources."-School Library Journal

"ÝA¨ handsome new volume aimed at guiding school library media specialists in the strategic are of developing collections. Greenwood has added it to prestigious school library series.... Collection Development for a New Century is a welcome addition to the colection development literature and is highly recommended both to school library media specialists now practicing in the field and students of collection development still taking formal coursework in preperation for careers in elementary or secondary schools."-Technicalities

"[w]ould help both new and experienced librarians provide students and teachers with valuable resources."-School Library Journal

"The author offers excellent guidance to ensure that formats are conducive to the development of information literacy and critical thinking skills....This title is certain to refresh and redefine a complex but rewarding task."-Teacher Librarian

"Theories and concepts of collection development, comprehensive lists of selection tools, the role of technology in the process, and censorship issues are all discussed....both thought-provoking and practical--an excellent combination for any reader of professional literature."-School Library Journal

"This text is one of the more reflective, theoretical, and historical on school library collection development, making it a useful followup to practical titles, such as Collection Program in Schools by Phyllis J. Van Orden and Kay Bishop (Libraries Unimited, 2001)"-VOYA

"[A] handsome new volume aimed at guiding school library media specialists in the strategic are of developing collections. Greenwood has added it to prestigious school library series.... Collection Development for a New Century is a welcome addition to the colection development literature and is highly recommended both to school library media specialists now practicing in the field and students of collection development still taking formal coursework in preperation for careers in elementary or secondary schools."-Technicalities

About the Author

W. BERNARD LUKENBILL is Professor, School of Information, University of Texas at Austin.