Use the following objectives to check your learning as you proceed through the class:
Learn best practices for building and maintaining a library collection.
Learn more about the options available for purchasing materials for the library.
Understand the importance of cataloging for best user experience.
Consider helpful practices to prepare items to circulate.
Learn why it is important to maintain a library collection and discover tools to support the work.
Understand how conducting an inventory can help maintain a library collection.
Reflect on learning by sharing information with others.
In this class, you will work through several lessons to learn more about Collection Development, what it is, and how to integrate it into your library practice. Below is a description of each lesson and an estimate of the amount of time it may take to complete each one.
To enhance your participation in the class:
Click links to access additional resources.
Download exercise files from the Exercise Files tab on the main page of the class or from the bottom of individual lessons.
Click images to make them bigger.
Getting Started
Pre-test: Take a quiz to find out what you know or need to know about Collection Development. 5 minutes
Welcome to the Collection Development Class: Review the course objectives and the course overview. 5 minutes
Using Open Space Groups: Join the INFOhio School Library Basics group in Open Space. In this group, discuss and reflect on the integration of this resource into the library and classroom with like-minded educators.5 minutes
Choosing the Best Books for Your School
Your Collection Development Policy: Learn what a collection development policy is and how to create, develop, and maintain a policy for the library. 15 minutes
Curriculum 101: Learn more about Ohio's library and academic learning standards. 15 minutes
Using Reviews to Choose Books: Learn more about how to use reading and review lists to help choose materials for the library. 10 minutes
Buying Books
Budgets 101: Learn more about how to advocate for the library budget. 10 minutes
Using Vendors for Purchasing: Learn more about vendors you can use to purchase materials for the library. 10 minutes
Grant Opportunities: Learn more about grant opportunities available to school libraries. 10 minutes
Using Reports to Support Book Purchasing: Learn more about the reports in the library services platform that can help support book purchasing needs. 10 minutes
Cataloging Books and Prepping for Circulation
Vendor Services: Learn more about the available services vendors can provide for cataloging. 10 minutes
Cataloging Library Materials: Learn more about options for cataloging library materials. 10 minutes
Maintaining the Library Collection
Library Displays: Learn how to incorporate library displays into the library space. 10 minutes
Weeding the Collection: Learn weeding tips using the CREW method. 15 minutes
Library Book Maintenance and Supplies: Learn about options for purchasing supplies and repairing library items. 10 minutes
Inventory: Learn more about inventory and how it helps the library run more efficiently. 10 minutes
Checking Your Learning
Self-Assessments: Answer questions to reflect on what you learned. 10 minutes
Contact Hour Quiz and Certificate: Take a quiz to earn a certificate for three (3) contact hours. 5 minutes
If you need any help while you complete the course, please contact us at support.infohio.org.