Module Information

Module Identifier
DSM8010
Module Title
Collection Management
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Distance Learning
Reading List
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Essay  2,500-3,000 words  100%
Supplementary Assessment Essay  2,500-3,000 words  100%

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module you should be able to:

  • distinguish between the various activities and processes that comprise collection management;
  • understand the nature and value of a written collection development policy and associated policies and procedures;
  • list and describe the major bibliographical sources and services which support collection management;
  • understand the major issues surrounding the selection and acquisition of serials and electronic materials;
  • appreciate the contribution of collection evaluation and review and to describe the methodologies used in these activities;
  • comprehend the issues associated with collection promotion and to describe the methodologies employed;
  • apply your learning to evaluate collection management within your institution.

Brief description

Amongst the major responsibilities which we undertake, indeed, perhaps one of the greatest arts of the librarian or information officer, is that of creating, maintaining and promoting a collection of materials pertinent to the needs of our clientele. Collection Management is the term given to this major field of management. This module adopts a broad definition of the subject field so that, while devoting time to the fundamental areas of collection development, and collection review and evaluation, it also covers topics such as the promotion of collection use, conservation and preservation, and collection issues related to particular formats. Its overriding concern is the management of a collection of library materials (whether in one or a number of formats) in an effective, efficient and economical way, in order to meet the needs of its community.
Today, we are concerned to develop and promote not only the resources held within a specific library but to promote access to material held in other collections and to resources that exist only in electronic form. Particular consideration is, therefore, given to the issues associated with the management of the electronic library, ie providing access to virtual resources and collections.

Content

Amongst the major responsibilities which we undertake, indeed, perhaps one of the greatest arts of the librarian or information officer, is that of creating, maintaining and promoting a collection of materials pertinent to the needs of our clientele. Collection Management is the term given to this major field of management. This module adopts a broad definition of the subject field so that, while devoting time to the fundamental areas of collection development, and collection review and evaluation, it also covers topics such as the promotion of collection use, conservation and preservation, and collection issues related to particular formats. Its overriding concern is the management of a collection of library materials (whether in one or a number of formats) in an effective, efficient and economical way, in order to meet the needs of its community.
Today, we are concerned to develop and promote not only the resources held within a specific library but to promote access to material held in other collections and to resources that exist only in electronic form. Particular consideration is, therefore, given to the issues associated with the management of the electronic library, ie providing access to virtual resources and collections.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Subject Specific Skills Analysis and evaluation of Collection Management practices and policy from various sectors of information services and international examples.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7