Learning Diary #3: Selection Process

The selection process is not merely about heedlessly acquiring books. It requires thorough decision-making through a criteria and an evaluation of the clientele’s needs. Identifying collection needs, determining the budget, developing a plan for acquiring, and conducting a search for the material are what constitute the main process for selection.

Although there is a general approach to selecting materials, different types of libraries call for different selection practices. Academic libraries center on academic programs, school media centers center on curriculum support, special libraries often need current informational materials, and public libraries aim for a diverse collection. Learning materials or information sources that make up a collection are usually composed of books, audiovisual materials, electronic materials, etc., but the primary source of information is the serials. This is considered an important component in a library collection.

Various selection tools help in deciding which materials to attain based on the general selection criteria. These tools are current sources for in-print books, marketing materials by publishers (catalogs, flyers, etc.), current review sources, bibliographic databases, recommendation lists, subject bibliographies, and citation information.

The selection process ensures that, through careful deliberation, the materials acquired will be worthy enough for a space in the library. Personally, I relate to this discussion the most because I go through a “selection process” in my daily routine. The smallest things can affect my day, like how the music I listen to in the morning can dictate my mood, or how the clothes I wear can affect my productivity for the day.