MLS - Master of Library and Information Science Collection Development and Management Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A librarian at a public library is using the CREW method to weed the non-fiction section. They identify a book with torn pages and a broken spine that has not circulated in over ten years and contains demonstrably false medical information. These factors align with a supplementary acronym often used with the CREW method. Which acronym best describes these negative criteria for retention?
- MUSTIE (Misleading, Ugly, Superseded, Trivial, Irrelevant, Elsewhere) (Correct answer)
- RUSA (Reference and User Services Association)
- SCOPE (Scope, Currency, Objectivity, Purpose, Evidence)
- IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations)
Correct answer: MUSTIE (Misleading, Ugly, Superseded, Trivial, Irrelevant, Elsewhere)
The CREW (Continuous Review, Evaluation, and Weeding) method is often supplemented by the MUSTIE acronym to identify materials for deselection. The factors described—poor condition (Ugly), outdated/false information (Misleading/Superseded), and lack of use (Irrelevant)—directly correspond to the criteria outlined in MUSTIE. RUSA and IFLA are professional organizations, and SCOPE is a common acronym for evaluating sources, not for weeding.
Question 2: Which core policy document, adopted by the American Library Association (ALA), asserts that 'Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment'?
- The Freedom to Read Statement
- The Code of Ethics of the ALA
- The Library Bill of Rights (Correct answer)
- The Intellectual Freedom Manual
Correct answer: The Library Bill of Rights
The Library Bill of Rights is the American Library Association's foundational policy statement on intellectual freedom. Article III specifically states, 'Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.' While the other documents are related to intellectual freedom, the Library Bill of Rights is the primary document containing this specific mandate.
Question 3: An academic library wants to acquire newly published books from a major university press in a specific subject area, such as European History, without requiring title-by-title selection by a librarian. The library and the vendor agree on a profile that defines the subject, format, and price parameters, and the vendor automatically ships all relevant new titles. Which acquisition model is being described?
- Firm Order
- Standing Order
- Demand-Driven Acquisition (DDA)
- Approval Plan (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Approval Plan
This scenario describes an approval plan, an acquisitions method where a library establishes a profile with a vendor based on subject area, publisher, price, and other criteria. The vendor then automatically sends materials that match the profile for the library to review. This differs from a firm order (ordering a specific title), a standing order (receiving all parts of a series), and DDA (where acquisition is triggered by patron use).
Question 4: A well-written collection development policy serves many functions within a library. Which of the following is the PRIMARY purpose of such a policy?
- To list every individual title the library currently holds or plans to acquire.
- To act as a legally binding contract between the library and its material vendors.
- To guarantee a specific level of annual funding from the library's governing body.
- To provide a systematic framework for consistent decision-making in the selection and deselection of materials. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To provide a systematic framework for consistent decision-making in the selection and deselection of materials.
The primary purpose of a collection development policy is to provide a guiding framework for librarians to build and maintain a collection that meets the needs of their community. It ensures decisions are consistent, objective, and aligned with the library's mission, and it serves as a crucial document when facing materials challenges or censorship attempts.
Question 5: A university library is allocating its materials budget. The librarian for the Chemistry department argues for an increased allocation, citing a 15% average increase in journal subscription prices and the launch of a new graduate program. This method of budget allocation, which requires justification for all expenses for the new period, is an example of what budgeting approach?
- Historical-based budgeting
- Zero-based budgeting (Correct answer)
- Lump-sum budgeting
- Formula-based budgeting
Correct answer: Zero-based budgeting
This approach is characteristic of zero-based budgeting (ZBB), where all expenses must be justified for each new budget period, starting from a 'zero base.' The librarian is not simply asking for an incremental increase over last year's budget (historical-based) but is justifying the need based on specific cost drivers (inflation) and new initiatives (graduate program).
Question 6: Several libraries in a regional consortium agree to collaboratively purchase and share access to an expensive database. They also coordinate their purchasing of specialized monographs to avoid unnecessary duplication and ensure broader collective coverage. This practice is best described as:
- Interlibrary Loan
- Demand-Driven Acquisition
- Cooperative Collection Development (Correct answer)
- Approval Planning
Correct answer: Cooperative Collection Development
Cooperative (or collaborative) collection development is the strategy by which multiple libraries work together to build stronger collective collections than any single institution could afford on its own. It involves joint purchasing, resource sharing, and coordinated selection to reduce duplication and broaden the overall range of available materials for all members of the consortium.
MLS - Master of Library and Information Science Collection Development and Management Questions and Answers
A librarian at a public library is using the CREW method to weed the non-fiction section.
They identify a book with torn pages and a broken spine that has not circulated in over ten years and contains demonstrably false medical information.
These factors align with a supplementary acronym often used with the CREW method.
Which acronym best describes these negative criteria for retention?