Selectors Selectors are librarians with assigned subject collection development responsibilities. The Thomas Cooper Library began using the selector system in 1985. Although selectors' main job responsibilities are in other departments, their collection management activities are coordinated by Collection Management, in particular the area bibliographers. Selectors have several key activities and responsibilities including book selection, collection evaluation and planning, and faculty liaison.
Selectors are generally assigned areas which match their academic backgrounds.
The chief book selection activity is the review of approval plan books. Selectors are responsible for conducting book selection in these two methods for their assigned areas. Selectors should also make suggestions to Collection Management about ways to refine approval plan profiles and inform Collection Management of potential problems in the plans. Selectors may also be called upon to request materials important to the collection. Generally, firm order allocations are spent by the academic departments, but selectors should maintain a file of desired books for when money is available for such purchases.