Back to basics: international collection development on a shoestring

Abstract

Purpose

This article aims to explore collection development for small libraries facing an extremely restricted budget, with an additional focus on international school libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the author's experience as a professional consultant for Oasis International School, Ankara, Turkey, this case study provides collection development advice, tips for librarians interested in volunteering or international travel, and a literature review.

Findings

An extremely restricted budget and the complexities of an international environment need not prevent libraries from taking steps towards improving their collection. Strategies include: seeking targeted donations from publishers, granting organizations, individuals, and others; intelligently exploiting non‐targeted donations; utilizing volunteers; carefully balancing preservation and access; and implementing a basic inventory/circulation system.

Research limitations/implications

Similar case studies undertaken at other libraries would add to the sparse literature on restricted budget and international school library collection development.

Practical implications

International and domestic school libraries facing a restricted budget will gain concrete advice on collection development. Librarians interested in volunteering or international librarianship will find practical guidance.

Originality/value

This article fills a gap in library scholarship by focusing on collection development issues facing international school libraries with an extremely restricted budget.

Citation

Newcomer, N.L. (2009), "Back to basics: international collection development on a shoestring", Collection Building, Vol. 28 No. 4, pp. 164-169. https://doi.org/10.1108/01604950910999800