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What is included in a collection development policy and manual?
Many people create a collection development manual that includes policies, procedures, and evolving documents demonstrating the living nature of the program. You'll want to answer the following questions in your collection development policy: **Introduction**. Your document should begin with an introduction that describes the use of the document, scope of the policy, audience, and need for the policy. **Statement of Philosophy and Goals**. Your document should contain a statement of philosophy and goals for the program. There is nothing wrong with getting ideas from others. For example, many centers include statements from the American Library Association. This section should also provide an analysis of your patrons, collection, programs, and priorities. **Selection Policy**. Your document should contain a selection policy that details specific selection criteria. It should answer the questions: how are materials selected and who will select them. It may also include a section on de-selection and handling gifts or donations. Within this section you may also want to list the patrons who use the center and detail the materials you have available in the collection to meet their needs. Results from your needs assessment may also be incorporated into the evolving policy in the form of short and long term goals. **Reconsideration Policy**. You center should have a policy and procedure regarding challenged materials. To learn more about reconsideration policies, explore the selection of this course called [|Intellectual Freedom]. **Acquisition Policy**. Your acquisition policy should discuss how materials are acquired. It may list popular jobbers and guidelines for making purchasing decisions. You may also include your acquisition procedures including step-by-step procedures, lists of needs, and the current status of selected materials. **Evaluation Policy**. You may also wish to discuss evaluation of the collection. How will the collection be maintained and evaluated? **Related Policies**. In some cases, the library media center collaborates with other departments on documents related to information, communication, and technology. Be sure to include the following documents in your collection development manual: []
 * What is the purpose of your center?
 * Who does your center serve?
 * What is the focus of your center's programs?
 * How are center materials selected and deselected?
 * How will you deal with controversy?
 * [|Library Bill of Rights]
 * [|Freedom to Read Statement]
 * [|Freedom to View Statement]
 * [|Code of Ethics]
 * [|Libraries: An American Value]
 * [|Core Values Statements]
 * Acceptable Use of Networks Policy
 * Acceptable Use of Internet and Filtering Policy
 * Email Policy
 * Copyright Guidelines
 * Student Code of Conduct

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