Can This Orthodoxy Be Saved? Enhancing the Usefulness of Collection Plans in the Digital Environment

This chapter discusses collection plans in the context of the current information environment with its mix of formats and its accelerated migration towards digital resources; and identifies problems with regard to the development of useful plans. The authors present the results of an informal mailing list survey of collection development and electronic resources (ER) librarians; questions pertain to collection plans and, also, to professional preparation and continuing education, patterns of collaboration, and additional topics related to the work of the plan and management of collections that include digital resources. The authors provide suggestions for the improvement of the long-term value and immediate usefulness of collection plans in the digital environment and speculate about the qualities of the individuals who might bring about these changes. (C) 2007 by The Haworth Press. All rights reserved.