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	Developing an Outstanding Core Collection: A Guide for Public Libraries Carol Alabaster Item Number: 978-0-8389-0819-8   Publisher: ALA Editions Price: $42.00		Order Options:       Qty:
208 pages 6" x 9" Softcover ISBN-13: 978-0-8389-0819-8 Year Published: 2002 "Creating an adult core collection for a public library is an extremely complex and challenging endeavor."—from the Preface This practical handbook offers step-by-step instructions on not only how to build a core collection from scratch but also how to maintain and revitalize an existing collection. Building on the basics, this comprehensive guide to core collection development offers ready-to-use advice on developing a collection policy statement, selecting user-appropriate sources, and ultimately serving your constituency with the best possible collection. With an eye toward quality and years of collection development and reviewing experience, collection expert Carol Alabaster answers the key questions such as: What criteria are used to identify a core title? What is the process for making selections? From A to Z, how is a collection maintained and improved? How are titles continuously tracked? What methodologies will make decisions less subjective? Packed with selection resources and sample core lists in seven subject areas, all libraries can use this soup-to-nuts manual to revitalize or start up an up-to-date and customer-focused core collection. Table of Contents Preface Chapter 1: The Philosophy of Adult Core Collections The Impact of Technology Classics as Core Titles Core Titles and Collection Development One Library's Journey Core Titles Defined The Purpose of This Book Chapter 2: Developing a Core Collection Policy Statement Theories of the Selection Process Collection Development Policy Statements Collection Development Policy Statement as Mission Statement Collection Development Policy Statement as Buying Plan Writing Core Collection Development Policy Statements Sample Core Collection Development Policy Statement Summary Chapter 3: Selecting a Core Collection Basics of Core Selection Selection Aids Book Reviews Advertisements and Publishers' Catalogs Bibliographies as Checklists Award Winners and Best-Books Lists Personal Examination of Core Candidates Community Involvement in Core Selection Summary Chapter 4: Creating and Maintaining Core Collections Budget Allocation for Core Titles Ordering Core Titles Systemwide Acquisition of Core Titles Out-of-Print Purchasing Labeling Core Titles Maintaining the Core Collection Core Marketing Plan Chapter 5: Implementing the Core Collection Tracking System for Core Titles Core Schedule and Time Frame Diversity of Core Titles Equality of Core Titles Alternate Formats of Core Titles Conclusion Chapter 6: Bibliography: Core Selection Resources and Works Cited Standard Retrospective Core Selection Sources Additional Core Selection Resources Review Sources for Core Selection Indexes to Reviews Criticism on Core Titles and Authors Reviews on the Web Literary Awards Works Cited Chapter 7: Sample Core Lists with Selection Criteria and Sources Sample Fiction Core List: Criteria and Sources Fiction Core List Sample Mystery Core List: Criteria and Sources Mystery Core List Sample Biography Core List: Criteria and Sources Biography Core List Sample Philosophy Core List: Criteria and Sources Philosophy Core List Sample Religion Core List: Criteria and Sources Religion Core List Sample Natural Sciences Core List: Criteria and Sources Natural Sciences Core List Sample Film Core List: Criteria and Sources Film Core List Index About the Author Carol Alabaster has more than thirty years of library experience working for both the New York Public Library and the Phoenix Public Library systems. In the Phoenix system, she worked as Collection Development Coordinator, Branch Manager, and Fiction Librarian. Before that, she served as Young Adult Senior Librarian and Adult Services Librarian for the New York Public Library. In addition to writing a weekly book review for the Arizona Republic, she was a National Book Award judge in 1982. Alabaster earned her master's degree in library science from St. John's University in New York. Reviews “...a very practical manual that all librarians can use as a resource for collection development.” —Booklist “Geared toward public libraries, this useful and readable handbook offers a practical methodology for developing and maintaining a collection of core materials... Altogether an excellent resource.” —Shy Librarian “Unlike too many professional works that seem to target only large or small libraries, this book speaks to libraries of all sizes, and the author does her best to be inclusive... For those that choose to create and implement such a collection, Alabaster¡ås outstanding work should serve as an important aid in the process.” —Reference & User Services Quarterly “ How unfashionable, yet wonderful, it is to read a book that focuses on what drew many librarians to the profession in the first place: an intense love of good books.” — Public Libraries “A useful addition to the professional bookshelf.”& #151; VOYA “...offers practical advice and tools...cleanly designed and well organized. Recommended for larger public libraries.” — Technicalities “For those librarians who believe that quality books, enduring books, great books are still the heart and soul of the library, Carol Alabaster¡ås Developing an Outstanding Core Collection will come as something of a tonic... Altogether, this is a book that should be useful to many libraries, both public and academic.” —Technical Services Quarterly