About the Acquisition and Collection Development Section
Scope
The Section on Acquisition and Collection Development focuses on methodological and topical themes pertaining to acquisition of print and other analogue library materials (by purchase, exchange, gift, legal deposit), and the licensing and purchase of electronic information resources.
Specialized interests include de-acquisition and weeding of library materials, collection development policies, collection development methods, techniques and practices for collection assessment, usage statistics, materials pricing issues, ownership vs. access issues, the "Open Access" movement, and librarians' relations with publishers and vendors. As access to materials becomes an increasingly viable alternative to ownership, the Section finds itself working more closely with the Sections on Serials and Other Continuing Resources, Document Delivery and Resource Sharing, and any advisory committees within IFLA that facilitate discussions between libraries and publishers and/or producers of electronic resources. Also of concern to the Section are the impact and application of technological developments that underlie many of the changes observed in departmental work flow, and partnering arrangements when acquiring materials (such as electronic data interchange, materials licensing agreements, and cooperative collection development).
In formulating its Goals the Section strives to be flexible and responsive to changing conditions in the professional environment. The Section is especially cognizant of the need to integrate its Goals with IFLA's thematic focus and professional priorities.
Last update: 7 April 2009