Starting a new role as a Collection Development Librarian requires a strategic approach to understand the library's existing collections, community needs, and institutional goals. A 30-60-90 day plan provides a structured framework to set clear objectives, establish key relationships, and implement effective collection strategies over the first three months.
This customized 30-60-90 day plan helps you to:
- Assess current collections and identify gaps aligned with patron needs and institutional priorities
- Develop relationships with faculty, staff, and community stakeholders to inform collection decisions
- Implement workflows for selection, acquisition, and evaluation of resources
Whether you are transitioning into a new library or enhancing your collection development practices, this plan supports your success through actionable milestones and progress tracking.
Benefits of a 30-60-90 Day Plan for Collection Development Librarians
Utilizing a structured plan during your onboarding period enables you to:
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of existing collections and usage patterns
- Build collaborative relationships with academic departments, vendors, and library teams
- Establish clear priorities for collection growth and budget allocation
- Demonstrate your value and expertise to library leadership and patrons
Main Elements of the Collection Development 30-60-90 Day Plan
This plan is divided into three focused phases, each with specific objectives and tasks:
First 30 Days: Orientation and Assessment
- Review current collection policies, budgets, and acquisition procedures
- Analyze circulation and usage data to identify strengths and weaknesses
- Meet with library staff, faculty, and stakeholders to understand collection needs
- Familiarize yourself with vendor platforms and ordering systems
Next 30 Days (31-60): Planning and Relationship Building
- Develop a collection development plan aligned with institutional goals
- Establish communication channels with faculty and community partners for ongoing feedback
- Begin evaluating potential new resources and subscriptions
- Collaborate with cataloging and technical services teams to streamline workflows
Final 30 Days (61-90): Implementation and Evaluation
- Initiate acquisitions based on the developed collection plan
- Monitor budget expenditures and adjust priorities as needed
- Set up metrics to evaluate collection impact and patron satisfaction
- Provide training or informational sessions for library staff on new resources
Throughout each phase, document your progress, challenges, and feedback to inform ongoing improvements and demonstrate your contributions to library success.
By following this structured 30-60-90 day plan, Collection Development Librarians can effectively manage their onboarding, align collections with user needs, and establish themselves as key contributors to the library's mission.
