Collection Management for Youth: Responding to the Needs of Learners

Effective collection management is no longer just about having the
best
collection. As education shifts to a learner-centered environment, collection development must address the dynamic interplay between all stakeholders in the wider school community. Drawing from the latest educational theory and research, Hughes-Hassell and Mancall recommend a plan to build and maintain a solid collection in the midst of radical flux, while meeting students’ information needs in a holistic context. Connecting to the guidelines of Information Power, the premier learner-focused model for library media centers, Collection Management for Youth is grounded in educational theory to help relate the
whys
with the
hows.
The authors pose a challenge to school library media specialists and supervisors, youth librarians in public libraries, and educators: Given these tools, are you willing to become learner-centered collection managers, to wear the hats of change agents, leaders, learners, and research guides? This ground-breaking guide will help youth librarians: Develop and manage collections that meet the changing needs of learners; Address a dynamic educational process and ever-changing resource base; Become an informed teacher and information guide; Tap into the school’s broadest learning community to build partnerships; Addressing both real and virtual information sources, this must-have manual is filled with eleven field-tested tools to encourage collaboration and help put the concepts to work.