Collections Management
Managing library collections in an ongoing and ever-changing process. Between monitoring community interests, cataloging print and digital materials, weeding and preserving, the work of catalogers and technical service staff is never complete. This section will connect you with information about materials acquisition, cataloging, circulation, collection development and maintenance, processing and preservation, and digitization.
Self-paced courses and webinar recordings on this topic are freely available in the WebJunction Course Catalog.
Photo: AS220, CC BY-NC 2.0
Most Recently Added
Learn Digital Collections Stewardship with On-Demand Courses
Publish Date: News / 16 May 2023
OCLC's WebJunction, in partnership with Washington State University’s Center for Digital Scholarship and Curation, has created a series of free online courses developed for staff at tribal archives, libraries, museums (TALMs), and small public librar...
Partner with Indie Authors to Share Diverse Stories
Publish Date: News / 25 April 2023
Despite efforts to increase representation in publishing, the industry remains predominantly white. Authors of color often face a range of challenges, including difficulty finding literary agents, limited access to publishing opportunities, and insuf...
Adopt-a-Shelf Program Lets Students Create Book Displays
Publish Date: News / 12 April 2023
Libraries can offer safe, welcoming spaces for young people to access resources and programming, explore their interests, and connect with peers. And these benefits can be even more impactful when young people feel like they can actively contribute. ...
How to Get Your Collection from Awful to Awesome
Publish Date: News / 14 March 2023
Reap the benefits of a well-weeded collection! Mary Kelly and Holly Hibner, co-authors of the popular blog Awful Library Books shared their holistic approach to collection management in the WebJunction web...
Native Stories, Native Peoples: Opportunities for Library Engagement
Publish Date: Webinar / 15 February 2023
This webinar will highlight opportunities for library communities to foster understanding and support of Indigenous peoples, past and present.
Expanding Collections with a Library of Things
Publish Date: News / 6 December 2022
The Library of Things model has grown in popularity and expanded on the types of items that libraries keep in their collections and check out to the community. We were pleased to host the webinar, Library of Things: The What, Why, and How of Lending ...
Library of Things: The What, Why, and How of Lending Objects
Publish Date: Webinar / 19 October 2022
Explore all aspects of hosting a Library of Things, including selecting, budgeting, cataloging, displaying, sustaining, and marketing.
Spice of Life! Adding Variety to a Library of Things
Publish Date: News / 11 October 2022
Libraries of Things have been growing in popularity in recent years, offering community members the opportunity to borrow items beyond the books and media most people associate with libraries. Libraries across the country have expanded their offering...
Resources for Advancing IDEAs (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility): A New Blog Series
Publish Date: News / 21 July 2022
A new blog series shares resources and learning opportunities for library staff Advancing IDEAs (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility). Twice monthly, series editor Jay Weitz compiles a collection of information, stories, and tools on time...
Weed 'Em and Reap: Getting Your Collection from Awful to Awesome
Publish Date: Webinar / 14 July 2022
This session discusses the life cycle of a collection, including weeding techniques, collection management policies, and how to motivate reluctant weeders.
