The collection development model at the University of Minnesota Central Library

Abstract

Following the description of the University of Minnesota and its library system, the author discusses the tasks of subject specialists in individual libraries. They play decisive roles in the planning and realization of library collection development policy, and in the acqusition cooperation in the frame of Conspectus (scope guidelines). Their relation with teachers and their continuous analysis of library collections is very important for acqusition decisions. The functions of subject specialists include also management and protection of the library collections. All these functions are utilized in reference services, in the training of library use and in the guidance of searching for the proper information sources. The subject specialists are expected to participate in research, to publish papers, and to have their share in university education and in other activities of the university.