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xvii Preface The first edition of this title (originally called Developing Library and Infor- mation Center Collections) was published in 1979. Since that time, the man- ner and method of collection management has radically changed in libraries of all types with some of that change occurring as we prepared this text. Despite this radical change, collections remain an essential component of library operations. In this current age of diverse and clashing opinions, library collections continue to facilitate the unbiased, open exchange of ideas and information. A balanced collection means a person can access varying points of view either alone or with others without a real concern that hos- tility may arise. For example, as suggested by one of our Advisory Board members, Wendy Bartlett, in a public library setting, newspapers are a very important source as readers have been known to engage in lively discussions about sports or local politics after reading the copy available at the library— showing the community-­building effect these resources can cultivate. With this framework in mind, the chapters in this text are grouped to cover the background and process of collection management from start to finish, as well as addressing special issues in collection management. The first three chapters provide the reader with the foundations of collection management, its history and philosophy, as well as intellectual freedom and personal bias in selection. Beyond these introductory chapters, we next focus on policies, user needs assessment, and selection activities. Recognizing the important role technical services plays in the collection management process, we have added a new chapter exploring core technical services functions and workflows. After addressing methods to assess the collection, the remainder of the text focuses on special issues of concern for collection management practitioners, including collaborative collection development, material types, preservation, and legal issues. Each chapter includes sidebars with suggested resources, issues to watch, “points to ponder,” and the like. This work would not have been possible without the contributions of a great number of individuals. We are especially grateful for the comments, sug- gestions, and insight of our three Advisory Board members, who all brought a unique perspective and insight to the work: Wendy K. Bartlett, Collection Development and Acquisitions Manager, Cuyahoga County Public Library,