# library collection development

> compiling of materials for a library

**Wikidata**: [Q3567214](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3567214)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collection_development)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/library-collection-development

## Summary  
Library collection development is the business process of building a library’s material holdings so that they satisfy the information needs of its users. It involves systematic selection, acquisition, and management of resources and is a core activity within the field of library science.

## Key Facts  
- **Instance of:** business process (Wikidata).  
- **Subclass of:** library science and collection development.  
- **Primary purpose:** to build library materials that meet users’ information needs (Wikidata description).  
- **Identifiers:** GND ID 4144921‑6; FAST ID 867172; MeSH Descriptor ID D016243 (Library Collection Development); MeSH Tree Code L01.583.410 (library science).  
- **Used by:** the discipline of librarianship.  
- **Related concepts:** approval plan – a formal agreement with publishers/wholesalers to supply items that fit a pre‑established collection development profile.  
- **Aliases:** collection development, collection building, collections development, library collections development, gestión o desarrollo de la colección de una biblioteca, desarrollo de colecciones, desarrollo de colección bibliotecaria.  
- **Sitelink count on Wikidata:** 6 language editions (ca, el, en, es, eu, zh).  
- **Library of Congress Authority ID:** sh85027992, with variant headings “Collection building (Libraries)”, “Libraries—Collection development”, “Library collection development”.  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is library collection development?  
**A:** It is the systematic process of selecting, acquiring, and managing library materials so that the collection aligns with and fulfills the information needs of the library’s patrons.  

### Q: How does an approval plan relate to collection development?  
**A:** An approval plan is a formal arrangement where a publisher or wholesaler agrees to supply publications that match a library’s pre‑established collection development profile, streamlining acquisition while respecting return privileges.  

### Q: Who is responsible for collection development in a library?  
**A:** Librarians and collection development specialists carry out the process, guided by the principles of librarianship and the broader field of library science.  

### Q: Is collection development the same as collection building?  
**A:** Yes. “Collection building” is an alias for collection development and refers to the same systematic activity of creating a coherent library collection.  

### Q: Where can I find standardized identifiers for library collection development?  
**A:** It is indexed with identifiers such as GND 4144921‑6, FAST 867172, MeSH D016243, and the Library of Congress authority ID sh85027992.  

## Why It Matters  
Library collection development ensures that a library’s holdings remain relevant, balanced, and responsive to the evolving informational, educational, and cultural needs of its community. By applying a structured, evidence‑based approach, libraries can allocate limited budgets efficiently, avoid unnecessary duplication, and fill gaps in subject coverage. This process supports equitable access to knowledge, underpins academic research, and sustains lifelong learning. In an era of rapid digital publishing and shifting user expectations, robust collection development practices enable libraries to curate both physical and electronic resources that reflect diverse perspectives and emerging fields, thereby maintaining their role as essential information hubs.  

## Notable For  
- Being formally classified as a **business process** within library science.  
- Serving as the **foundation for approval plans**, which automate acquisition based on a pre‑set development profile.  
- Recognized across **six language editions** on Wikidata, reflecting its global relevance.  
- Integrated into **multiple authority and classification systems** (GND, FAST, MeSH, Library of Congress).  
- Directly **used by the profession of librarianship**, linking theory to everyday practice.  

## Body  

### Definition  
- Library collection development is defined as “the process of building the library materials to meet the information needs of the users.”  
- It is a systematic, ongoing activity that encompasses selection, acquisition, evaluation, and weeding of resources.  

### Relationship to Library Science  
- Classified under the parent class **library science**, which covers the organized collection and systematic classification of information.  
- Also a subclass of **collection development**, emphasizing its focus on coherent, purpose‑driven building of collections.  

### Core Components  
- **Selection:** Choosing titles, formats, and subjects that align with user needs and the library’s mission.  
- **Acquisition:** Purchasing, licensing, or receiving items, often guided by budgetary constraints.  
- **Evaluation:** Assessing usage statistics, relevance, and condition of materials.  
- **Weeding:** Removing outdated or underused items to maintain collection quality.  

### Approval Plan (Related Concept)  
- An **approval plan** is a formal agreement where a publisher/wholesaler supplies publications that match a library’s collection development profile.  
- It includes predefined return privileges, allowing libraries to manage acquisitions efficiently while preserving flexibility.  

### Standardized Identifiers & Classifications  
| System | Identifier | Notes |
|--------|------------|-------|
| GND | 4144921‑6 | German National Library authority file. |
| FAST | 867172 | Faceted Application of Subject Terminology. |
| MeSH Descriptor | D016243 | “Library Collection Development”. |
| MeSH Tree Code | L01.583.410 | Under “library science”. |
| Library of Congress | sh85027992 | Includes variant headings for collection building. |
| Freebase | /m/0657fv | Legacy identifier (source: 2013‑10‑28). |
| UNBIS Thesaurus | 1003719 | International library science thesaurus. |

### Usage in Practice  
- **Librarianship** relies on collection development to align resources with patron demand, curriculum requirements, and community interests.  
- The process informs **budget planning**, **digital resource licensing**, and **policy development** for collection management.  

### Scope and Reach  
- The concept appears in **six Wikidata language links** (Catalan, Greek, English, Spanish, Basque, Chinese), indicating broad international acknowledgment.  
- It is referenced in academic and professional contexts, such as **ScienceDirect’s topic “computer‑science/collection-development.”**  

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*All information presented is drawn exclusively from the supplied source material.*

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. UMLS 2023
3. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
4. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)
5. Wikibase TDKIV