MLS Collection Development and Management 2

Question 1

Which principle states that a library should collect materials based on community needs rather than personal preferences of librarians?

Accepted Answer

User-centered collection development

Answer

User-centered collection development prioritizes the needs, interests, and demographics of the community served over librarian preferences.

Question 2

A library discovers that 40% of its print monograph collection has not circulated in 10 years. The MOST appropriate first step is to:

Accepted Answer

Conduct a use study and shelf-read to assess condition and relevance

Answer

A use study combined with physical assessment provides data needed to make informed weeding or storage decisions rather than acting arbitrarily.

Question 3

In the context of collection development, what does 'just-in-case' collecting refer to?

Accepted Answer

Building broad holdings in anticipation of possible future need

Answer

Just-in-case collecting is a traditional model of acquiring materials broadly to anticipate future patron demand, contrasted with just-in-time or demand-driven models.

Question 4

Which standard tool helps librarians evaluate the scope and depth of a collection using a five-level scale from 'out of scope' to 'comprehensive'?

Accepted Answer

Conspectus

Answer

The Conspectus is a collection assessment tool developed by RLG that uses a standardized five-level scale to describe collection depth by subject area.

Question 5

A library's collection development policy should include which of the following to address potential censorship challenges?

Accepted Answer

A formal reconsideration process with review committee

Answer

A formal reconsideration process ensures challenged materials receive fair, documented review rather than being removed due to informal complaints.

MLS - Master of Library and Information Science Practice Test

MLS - Master of Library and Information Science Practice Test

MLS Collection Development and Management 2