Developing an Outstanding Core Collection: A Guide for Libraries

In this practical handbook, newly updated for 2010, Carol Alabaster focuses on developing a collection with high-quality materials while saving time and money. She addresses key collection development questions, including

• What criteria are used to identify a core title?
• What is the process for making selections?
• How is a collection maintained and improved?
• How are core titles tracked in the library's acquisition and circulation systems?

Packed with selection resources and sample core lists in seven subject areas, this soup-to-nuts manual will be useful whether you are starting from scratch or revitalizing an existing collection.

Carol Alabaster is one of those women who love books too much, but an extremely fortunate one who has been able to indulge her passion full time as a librarian. She has more than thirty years experience working for public library systems in both New York City and Phoenix. During the thirteen years she was collection development coordinator for the Phoenix Public Library, she developed and implemented systemwide core collections. In addition to writing a weekly book review for the Arizona Republic for more than seven years, she was a National Book Award judge in 1982. She is retired from the Phoenix Public Library but continues to foster her love for books as a book club leader and a full-time reader.