Developing Collections for Children

 
1.  Use the Library's Collection Development Policy or Other Guidelines if They Exist
2.  Review Journals: consult the Simmons Online Catalog for electronic access for those not online or selective in coverage.
3. Standard Catalogs of Recommended Titles
4.  Recommended Lists
5.  Vendor Databases for Selection and Acquisition (use with caution; be sure to back up selections with strong reviews from professional sources)
6.  Review Indexes/Databases
  • Book Review Index, Beatley Reference, 1965- [Ref Z1035.A1 B6]
  • Book Review Digest Plus 
  • Media Review Digest, Beatley Reference, 1977-  [Ref  LB1043.Z9 M4]
7.  Other Useful Websites for Selection
8.  Publisher Catalogs
    Another part of the collection development process.  Catalogs can alert you to new titles, new editions, and  new titles in series.  Soon you will become familiar with certain key publishers useful for building your particular collection. It is still wise to check reviews before purchase.
9.  Finding Reviews
10.  Inprint and Price Verification
11  Collection Evaluation and Assessment
12.  Weeding
13.  Dealing with Challenged Material
    14. Other: Commercial Readers Advisory Sources

Created by Linda Watkins
GSLIS Librarian
Last Updated 6/25/08

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