Collection development is the process of improving the selection of materials housed in the library. Each item considered for addition or removal is evaluated according to how well it meets the goals of that collection. Collection development is an ongoing process that changes over time and as the community changes. All public libraries in Alberta are required to have a policy on the selection, acquisition, purchase and disposition of library resources, including a policy respecting gifts and donations.

Parkland's member public libraries can participate in the Cooperative Collection Development process, which is designed to help maintain a well rounded system-wide collection. School libraries are welcome to use these recommended title lists to develop their collections, too, if appropriate.
Parkland provides preview boxes of children's books with a Canadian connection (CanKids) to school and public libraries on demand, as well as the ability to order from an online catalogue of titles.

Public and school libraries can use the following resources to aid in local collection development:

Why does weeding matter? Weeding is an important aspect of collection development in maintaining a collection that is useful, attractive, and relevant to the needs of your community. Consult Parkland's weeding guidelines for general assistance and weeding by Dewey for more specific details in weeding the non-fiction collection.

Contact your consultant for help with collection management.