C ollection D evelopment Collection development in research libraries involves selection of information resources in all formats, management of library acquisitions funds, and evaluation and management of existing information resources. In the General Libraries these activities are coordinated by the Collection and Information Resources Division. Bibliographers are subject experts who are responsible for collection development in one or more areas. Most reference and branch librarians are also bibliographers, though bibliographers may be found in all areas of the library. Bibliographers with highly specialized language skills will oftentimes also catalog materials in those languages.
Bibliographers manage library funds for the purchase of information resources.
They initiate purchases for books, journals, databases, and other materials in their areas of subject expertise. They work closely with faculty in the departments which their subjects cover, keeping them informed of acquisitions and collection concerns. They confer with faculty and students about information needs, library resources, and serials cancellations, and provide training in library usage and information technologies. Questions about databases, book orders, serial cancellations, possible new serials orders, transfers of items from one location to another, approval plans, in-depth specialized reference questions, and collection development policy should be referred to them. The Directory of Bibliographers contains a list of library bibliographers and contact information.