Ideal for collection managers at any level, as well as for students, this selective guide to the literature contains approximately 2,000 citations to books, periodical articles, theses, and scholarly papers in English. Of value not only for its theoretical insights but also for its practical advice, the core literature shows a progression of ideas from managing collections in Guy R. Lyle's day through analyses of present day evaluation techniques and predictions about future technological advances.

Arrangement of entries is alphabetical by author, with a comprehensive subject index, examples of collection development policies, ALA and other standards, and a glossary.