Collection Development..

Here I was sitting in class, learning about how libraries have become this "demand driven" market, or as it is called, the "bookstore model". It's so true, working at a public library, our collection seems very consumer-oriented. As I think about this in class, how many copies of Harry Potter, (the whole series from the first to last one), do we own in the entire system? I can say alot! Not just books, but DVDs, books on Cds (I think books on tapes are out of date though?), and I've even seen Harry Potter books in Chinese! What's my point?

As my professor was pointing out, we've become so absorbed with the idea of getting the most current item into the public library, as a need for the patron, what are the consquences to such? The philosophy of collection development represents a collection that encompasses everything. With that in mind, a collection such as that is a good thing, right? However, it does have a downside, and that is an "opportunity cost" meaning if budget is allocated for current books, then there is the possibility that money for other material can not be bought for another particular type of patron (i.e. interior design books). Also, what happens if books such as Harry Potter become "outdated"? Will people still re-read them or will they become discarded or sent off to book ends (books sold at a discounted price)? I've also kept in mind that not everyone reads at the same pace as the Harry Potter series have been advertised (such as myself, but I've read them all, just not at the pace as some people have read them).

In the end, my question is how do we manage a collection that serves both pragmatic and entertaining items? or can items be both pragmatic and entertaining that is long lasting within a collection? Should surveys be done? doesnt' that cost money? How can a balanced be made at a "fair" price and how can such collections be "objective" in such a balance? It's just a few questions I'm wondering what a librarian would do? However, according to the Professor, librarians do not have a choice, but choices are already made by them through advertising and needs of a particular clientele.. Well that's another topic altogether.