Back to Basics: International Collection Development on a Shoestring

Abstract

This article explores collection development for small libraries facing an extremely restricted budget, with an additional focus on international school libraries. 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. The article shows how 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.