Decentering Whiteness in Libraries: A Framework for Inclusive Collection Management Practices

The book provides a guide for evaluating and crafting collection development policies to promote equity in library collections, with user-friendly tables, guides, and sample policies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 162 pages
Publication date: 24 September 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

The book "Evaluating and Crafting Collection Development Policies for Equity in Library Collections" is a comprehensive guide for creating and implementing collection development policies that promote equity and inclusivity in library collections. It serves as a valuable resource for librarians, library administrators, and other stakeholders involved in the development and management of library collections.

The book begins by providing an overview of the importance of collection development policies in creating a diverse and inclusive library environment. It highlights the various challenges that libraries face in ensuring that their collections reflect the diverse needs and interests of their communities, and it offers strategies for addressing these challenges.

One of the key features of the book is its user-friendly format. It includes a series of tables, guides, and sample policies that can be easily adapted to different library settings. These resources provide librarians with practical tools and guidance for developing and implementing collection development policies that promote equity and inclusivity.

The book also explores the various factors that should be considered when evaluating and crafting collection development policies. These factors include the library's mission, the community's needs and interests, the availability of resources, and the budget. The book provides detailed information on how to assess these factors and use them to develop policies that meet the needs of the community.

In addition to its practical guidance, the book also provides a critical analysis of the current state of collection development policies in libraries. It highlights the gaps and challenges that exist in these policies and offers recommendations for addressing them. The book also provides examples of successful collection development policies that have been implemented in libraries around the world.

One of the most significant challenges facing libraries today is the need to address the issue of diversity and inclusivity. Libraries have traditionally been dominated by white, male, and heterosexual perspectives, and this has led to a lack of representation of diverse communities in their collections. The book provides strategies for addressing this issue, including the use of diverse sources, the promotion of diverse authors and artists, and the development of programs and services that cater to diverse communities.

Another challenge facing libraries is the increasing demand for digital resources. While digital resources can provide access to a wide range of materials, they can also be expensive and difficult to manage. The book provides strategies for managing digital resources, including the development of digital collections, the provision of access to digital resources, and the preservation of digital resources.

The book also provides a discussion of the ethical implications of collection development policies. It highlights the importance of respecting the rights of authors and artists, and the need to ensure that the collection is accessible to all members of the community. The book provides strategies for addressing ethical issues, including the use of fair use policies, the provision of access to materials that are in the public domain, and the development of policies that promote diversity and inclusivity.

In conclusion, "Evaluating and Crafting Collection Development Policies for Equity in Library Collections" is a comprehensive guide for creating and implementing collection development policies that promote equity and inclusivity in library collections. It provides practical tools and guidance for librarians, library administrators, and other stakeholders involved in the development and management of library collections. By addressing the various challenges facing libraries today, the book helps to ensure that library collections reflect the diverse needs and interests of their communities.

Weight: 372g
Dimension: 239 x 159 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538162903