Collection development administration at selected major US research libraries

Despite a wide variety of institutional environments and management styles, collection development officers at major research libraries in the USA generally share the same major areas of concern for program administration. Strong support from central library administration is important, and the best environments place a high value on fostering communication and collegiality among staff. Other important elements of an effective program include: dedicated staff positions responsible for selection in major subject areas; an accurate and informative collection‐development policy; a detailed budget allocation system, where selection staff have accountability; regular appraisals of approval plan vendors and collection assessment studies; and articulated priorities for preservation. Cites examples of effective practices found at selected institutions.