Collection Development and Management Flashcards
7 cards from real MLS - Master of Library and Information Science practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Collection Development and Management flashcards as text
Which principle states that a library should collect materials based on community needs rather than personal preferences of librarians?
Answer: User-centered collection development
User-centered collection development prioritizes the needs, interests, and demographics of the community served over librarian preferences.
A library discovers that 40% of its print monograph collection has not circulated in 10 years. The MOST appropriate first step is to:
Answer: Conduct a use study and shelf-read to assess condition and relevance
A use study combined with physical assessment provides data needed to make informed weeding or storage decisions rather than acting arbitrarily.
In the context of collection development, what does 'just-in-case' collecting refer to?
Answer: Building broad holdings in anticipation of possible future need
Just-in-case collecting is a traditional model of acquiring materials broadly to anticipate future patron demand, contrasted with just-in-time or demand-driven models.
Which standard tool helps librarians evaluate the scope and depth of a collection using a five-level scale from 'out of scope' to 'comprehensive'?
Answer: Conspectus
The Conspectus is a collection assessment tool developed by RLG that uses a standardized five-level scale to describe collection depth by subject area.
A library's collection development policy should include which of the following to address potential censorship challenges?
Answer: A formal reconsideration process with review committee
A formal reconsideration process ensures challenged materials receive fair, documented review rather than being removed due to informal complaints.
When evaluating a vendor's standing order plan, a collection development librarian should PRIMARILY consider:
Answer: Approval rates, return policies, and subject profile accuracy
Approval rates, return flexibility, and how well the subject profile matches the library's collecting scope are the key functional criteria for evaluating approval plans.
Which type of collection analysis compares a library's holdings against a standard bibliography or peer institution's catalog?
Answer: Comparative or benchmarking analysis
Comparative analysis benchmarks a library's collection against external standards, bibliographies, or peer collections to identify gaps or strengths.