Electronic Resources Collection Development: Policies, Challenges, and Solutions

Abstract

Collection development is a library's first priority. This procedure enhances library reading items to satisfy readers. The collection development
policy guides the selection of library content. It supports libraries. Library staff collaboration and communication. This procedure enhances
library reading items to satisfy readers. Written collection development policies outline goals and evaluation criteria for guiding decisionmaking when adding items to a library collection. Large e-resource collections pose a challenge to libraries, as public access to information
has increased without traditional library visits. American Library Association defines collection development policies as defining existing
collections, planning resource development, identifying strengths, and establishing the relationship between selection philosophy, institution
goals, criteria, and intellectual freedom. To build an electronic environment collection policy, select tools and methods, establish guidelines for
managing resources, and allocate budget for e-resource purchases. Most libraries share e-resources in various ways due to information
technology. The collection development policy should specify whether the collection is in print or electronic form and meet user demand. This
article examines various collection development policies for e-resources. Information in this article is derived from secondary sources. This
article provides generic information applicable to all types of libraries.