Collection Development

Resources

How To Start Your Spanish-Language Collection
Alexandra Gomez presents an overview of the basics, some title suggestions, and some selection resources in this Library Journal article (May 2020).

Best Practices

Building a Spanish collection requires starting with a collection policy that is based on the mission and goals of the institution.

The Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) has guides and tools that guide the creation and implementation of a collection policy. “Guidelines for Library Services to Spanish-Speaking Library Users” is one of the wonderful sources for collection development and outreach. Also, RUSA has information from other libraries serving Spanish-speakers.

"Collection development for Spanish-language collections is an ongoing process. REFORMA Oregon has aggregated a few resources that will direct you to some Spanish-language vendors and publishers." --REFORMA Oregon Website.

Assess and Provide

Community

Origin
Education
Acculturation
Interests

Selection

Relevant content
Language
Trends
School curricula
Knowledge of authors and sources such as reviewers, bibliographies, and lists
Knowledge of the market in the US

Collection

Library and library system collection policy and goals
Budget
Add new materials throughout the year
Display new materials
Weed the collection
Host as many as possible of the formats that are published
Know the collection and its gaps
Know the circulation statistics

Location

Clearly identify the location of the collection with signage in both languages
Clearly identify the children and adult collections with signage in both languages
Clearly identify the new items in the collection
Clearly mark the typology or sections within the classification