Qualitative Development of College Library Collections

Points out that quality of information support to teaching, learning and research in a college depend on the quality of collections available in the college library. Defines qualitative collection development as the effective and timely selection of library materials forming part of carefully constructed area of subject collection, shaped over time by bibliographic experts. With special reference to colleges in Kerala evaluates the budget allotment for books, the documents available in the collections, the professional involvement in book selection and purchase, and the exiting methods and procedures of collection development. Observes that lack of collection development policy, failure to spread book selection and purchase throughout the year, allotment of books funds and selection and purchase at the fag end of the year in very short time span, non involvement of professionals in book selection and purchase, non adherence to purchase rules etc are the major factors hindering qualitative development of collections. Describes how various decisions can be linked into a sensitive provision of needed recorded knowledge