Law librarians work in a legal information ecosystem that is constantly evolving and traditional collection development models may not be adequate to meet the needs of this new reality of online access and exploding options. This 60-minute course will help librarians with primary collection development responsibilities, as well as those who are more tangentially involved, to consider how to balance the need for building a useful collection that is responsive to patron needs with the limits imposed by budgets, space, and user preferences. The course will explore strategies for building collections that encompass diversity, equity, and inclusion.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Any law librarian with collection development responsibilities, interested in further developing skills in their work environment, current collection development responsibilities, limited knowledge who are looking to enhance their skills in collection development, or enhance their skill set to a marketable law library administrative level. 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completing this course, participants will:

• Evaluate existing collections, including decisions about withdrawal, transfer, or preservation after considering factors like quality, coverage, format, and user preferences. 
• Design components of a collection strategy that are user-oriented and use patron training, preferences, and feedback to shape how a collection is used and improved. 
• Review methods for holistically understanding a library’s collection via direct ownership, contract, or borrowing privileges and review how to evaluate the collection in light of factors like stakeholder requirements, anticipated budget constraints, or planned changes to physical space.

AALL BODY OF KNOWLEDGE DOMAINS:  Information Management, Management + Business Acumen

CANCELLATION AND OTHER POLICIES

Cancellations and refund requests must be made in writing to elearning@aall.org prior to starting the course.

The opinions shared during this program represent the views of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL). Recording, capturing, or using AI tools to duplicate, transcribe, or otherwise reproduce an AALL program in any form is strictly prohibited without prior written consent from AALL. This includes, but is not limited to audio, video, or any other content shared. By attending an AALL program or accessing an AALL recording, you agree to adhere to this policy.

This course is offered by the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL).

© 2024 American Association of Law Libraries. All information contained herein is the property of the American Association of Law Libraries. The materials provided are for the use of the learners enrolled in the course. Any unauthorized use, including distribution, copying, modifying, or reprinting, is not permitted. Please review the AALL Copyright Policy for more information.

Special thanks to the AALL Continuing Professional Education Committee and the AALL members who served as subject matter experts.

SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS

• Jennifer Lentz, UCLA Law Library
• Jocelyn Stilwell-Tong, California's Sixth District Court of Appeal
• Duane Strojny, Cooley Law School