Begin.
Rather than being daunted by the preplanning and other financial, time,
and energy commitments required, one should start by simply deciding to
undertake such a project. Once the initial decision has been made, the
remaining steps will follow in succession, despite the fact that matters
rarely proceed as smoothly as one might hope. The process leading to a
finished policy is as important as the product itself; in order that the
policy remain viable, the process should be ongoing in nature.
Involve
people. The coordinator of the process should attempt to utilize the personnel
needed to successfully complete the project. It is imperative to involve
those wishing to be as well as motivating key staff to want to participate.
Meet.
The first meeting could well outstrip all later gatherings in that it is
where participants jockey for positions within the group, assume group
roles, and begin building true consensus. Without an agenda filled with
subcommittee reports, this meeting won't be easily controlled; however,
the differences of opinions, preferences, needs, and outlooks likely to
ensue can vitally enhance the process.
Organize.
Further organization of the group into subgroups with specific assignments
should follow in short order. At this juncture the head librarian needs
to designate who will form the collection development group proper; i.e.,
professionals, support staff, trustees, friends, volunteers, etc. Presentations
of facts will be made to smaller groups on a frequent (but informal) basis.
The main group should meet every month or so in order to assure the coordination
of various functions.
Lead
the group. The leader must have the knowledge and/or experience necessary
to help participants feel the importance of what they are doing. Only then
will everyone feel a sense of cohesiveness and seek to achieve group goals.
Gather
information. This process embraces two sectors: the library and its collection
(including circulation, selection, hours, staffing, budget, statistics,
and in-house usage) and the community (both patrons and nonusers). Early
meetings shouls cover methods of seeking information, what will be expected,
and deadlines. This stage will generally represent the longest segment
of the process, due in part to the need to design and pretest questionnaires
and interview questions in addition to combing various agencies for relevant
statistical information.
Analyze
and synthesize. The gathered information must be put into a format conducive
to implementing decisions based on this data. The prime concern here is
to see that the information collected has a purpose. Many methods of analysis
should be considered; if possible, a competent statistician should be employed
to look at the data collected. The statements comprising the library's
traditional philosophy, goals, and mission should now be looked at (if
none exist, they should be in draft form by this stage).
Evaluate.
The results of the analysis and synthesis should be used to determine how
good the collection is. The criteria by which to judge the collection must
be discussed along with the interests of the community.
Develop
a policy statement. Consider the components which would be of value to
the library in question.
Reiterate.
Once the process has gone through one full cycle, it should be repeated.
This time, correct any mistakes previously made. At this point, the library
may wish to use the process, the product, and the individuals who participated
in them to do library promotion with the community that it serves.
