Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE LIA2230

 
TITLE Collection Development

 
UM LEVEL 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 5

 
ECTS CREDITS 4

 
DEPARTMENT Library Information and Archive Sciences

 
DESCRIPTION The unit trains students in the theory and practice of collection development. This is done in the framework of the local and overseas scenarios. Trends of how collection development theory and practices emerged and developed over the years will be discussed and the impact of digital technology will also be considered.

Study-unit Aims:

a) To map the different kinds of libraries such as national, academic, public, special, and schools;
b) To link to each the respective principles that should guide the collecting policy;
c) To discuss the role of inter-library cooperation;
b) To appreciate the importance of having a collection development policy.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

a) Define the raison d'etre of each type of library;
b) Discuss the way information centres differ from the traditional library environments;
c) Evaluate a library collection;
d) Argue in favor of effective collecting policies.

2. Skills
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

a) Map the modus operandi of different types of libraries;
b) Explain how work-flows and patrons interests condition or not collection development;
c) Plan a systematic approach to collection development.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Main Texts

- Brophy P. The Academic Library, Facet Publishing, 2005.
- McMenemy, The Public Library, Facet Publishing, 2008.
- Zerafa, L, Vella V. and Vella C. A mosaic of library and archive practice in Malta, MaLIA, 2009.

Supplementary Texts

- Mizzi R., Vella C. & Brown. H. Report on the state of Maltese libraries, MaLIA, 2006.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Examination (2 Hours) SEM1 Yes 100%

 
LECTURER/S William Zammit

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit