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New Collection Development Policy

The National Library is proud of its collections, which have been built up for more than a century. The Library’s holdings of approximately 5.5 million items now form the largest and most diverse library collection in Australia, with a continuing focus on Australian publications and other Australian documentary resources.

The new edition of the Library’s Collection Development Policy shows the way forward for the Library to continue to develop the collections. This is reflected in the Directions for 2006–2008 statement, which identifies as a continuing priority the acquisition of overseas print and electronic resources that build on existing strengths and support research.

The revised Collection Development Policy can be accessed in both html and pdf versions on the Library’s website (www.nla.gov.au/policy/cdp/). It does not announce a change in policy direction, but recognises a greater commitment to providing access to information in electronic form, especially overseas information, instead of collecting it in print form. The policy also recognises the extension of the Library’s traditional documentary collecting role to include Australian websites and online publications.

The policy provides guidance for staff, other libraries, readers and the general public on the Library’s collecting activities, as well as providing information on the scope and depth of the collections. The Library will continue to evaluate the collection policy against changing circumstances, and we welcome comment about the directions set out in this document. Comments can be emailed to select@nla.gov.au.

Angela Brown

Manager, Overseas Collection Development