IX. Collection development levels

The Library has developed the following standards for measuring the depth and breadth of established collection areas.

Out of scope

The Library does not collect in this area.

Basic level

An area in which few selections are made beyond very basic works. A collection at this level should be frequently and systematically reviewed for currency of information.

General interest level

A collection of up-to-date general materials that serve to introduce and define a subject, format, or genre and to indicate the varieties of information available elsewhere. A general interest collection can support routine public inquiries, but is not sufficiently intensive to support independent study or wide-ranging and specialized recreational reading, listening, or viewing. In subjects where currency is important, materials are selected to meet demand and obsolete materials are withdrawn. A representative selection of materials is retained.

Advanced interest level

A collection of the most popular or influential materials in a broad area, which supports a wide range of recreational reading, listening, or viewing, meets general information needs, and sustains independent study. It includes collections of the works of the more popular or influential authors and selections from the works of other authors. Material of lasting value is retained.

Research level

A collection that includes the major materials in a subject, format, or genre and is able to support independent study and research. It includes primary historical documents as appropriate, and materials containing research reports, new findings, analyses, and interpretations, experimental results, and other information useful to researchers. Older material is usually retained for historical research.

Comprehensive level

A collection in which a library endeavors, so far as is reasonably possible, to include all significant works of recorded knowledge (publications, manuscripts, other forms) for a specific defined field. This level of collecting intensity maintains a "special collection"; the aim, if not the achievement, is exhaustiveness. Older material is retained for historical research with active preservation efforts.

Adapted from guidelines developed by the American Library Association. "Guidelines for the formulation of collection development policies." Library Resources and Technical Services, 21:42-3, Winter. 1977, and Guide for Written Collection Policy Statements. 2nd ed. Joanne S. Anderson, ed., Chicago and London: American Library Association, 1996.