What is Collection Development?

If you’re a Library lover, you’ve likely taken advantage of MCPL’s robust collection of physical and digital books. We take our books seriously and work hard to ensure the Library offers something for everyone - materials that educate, entertain, and inspire.

Looking for some good old-fashioned escapism? Check out a fantasy novel. Prepping for a school project? Our nonfiction collection has you covered. Searching for the perfect bedtime story? You’ll find plenty of gems in our children’s section.

Our Library system includes a team of dedicated librarians who carefully review available titles and purchase books for our collection. These experts stay on top of the hottest new releases and upcoming must-reads.

There are many factors involved in selecting which books to purchase, but one of the most important is you, the reader. What books are flying off the shelves? Which ones have long hold lists? What’s not being checked out at all? Circulation data gives us insight into what patrons want and need, helping the Collection Development team ensure you have timely access to popular materials.

Within our system, we have librarians who specialize in different areas: adult fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books. The selection process for children’s titles is very different from that of adult books (turns out kids like different stories!). Our Collection Development Librarians stay informed by working closely with publishers, monitoring trends and emerging authors, and keeping an eye on award winners, school reading lists, popular book club picks, and upcoming movie adaptations.

Once a book is purchased, there are still several steps before it lands on the shelf. Each book is processed, cataloged, and then delivered to branch locations for checkout. Cataloging ensures that the knitting book you’re looking for is right where you expect it to be, and that all of your favorite children’s books by the same author are shelved together.

Many factors influence which books become popular, but our team also supports readers through something called readers’ advisory. Think of it as literary matchmaking—or “book detectives.” If you just finished Onyx Storm and are searching for your next favorite series, our librarians are here to help.

At MCPL, we care about you and are committed to providing a wide range of materials that meet the unique needs of the community we serve.

Meghan P.
Electronic Resources Librarian