Desenvolvimento de coleções: construção de uma política proposta para a Biblioteca Professor Hermano José

Abstract

Libraries are centers of access to information and culture, and therefore, it is essential to maintain their collections aligned with the needs of their target audience. This task falls within the scope of collection management, which requires librarians to possess a variety of competencies and skills. In particular, the development of collections demands strategies aimed at guiding and systematizing the cohesive construction of the collection in alignment with the objectives of the Information Unit. In this context, a Collection Development Policy serves as an instrument to guide processes of selection, acquisition, evaluation, weeding, and disposal of materials, ensuring better organization of these activities and optimizing the quality of services and products offered. The Professor Hermano José Library, linked to the Federal University of Paraíba and the Museum of Culture Hermano José, stands out as a valuable unit for access to information and culture. Based on experiences as an extension student at this library, the need to develop a policy that better directs the growth of its collection was identified. Thus, this research aims to identify strategies for effective development of BPHJ collections. The study is justified by the absence of a formal policy for the management of the BPHJ’s collection, which is essential for preserving the cultural legacy of Hermano José, whose personal collection forms the core of the library. This research is characterized as an empirical study, applied in nature, exploratory and descriptive in its objectives, bibliographic and field-based in terms of technical procedures, with a qualitative approach. The results highlight the urgent need to implement a Collection Development Policy at BPHJ and propose a series of recommendations for doing so. The suggested policy aims to efficiently organize the collection’s management, respecting the library’s cultural legacy and the needs of its community. It covers aspects related to selection policy, material selection, acquisition policy, material acquisition, evaluation policy, collection evaluation, weeding and disposal policy, as well as the weeding and disposal process. The study also includes the development of a user manual for the Doações Gov.br platform – a tool provided by the Federal Government for the donation of goods – and templates for donation agreements, restoration diagnosis forms, and disposal evaluation forms. The proposed strategies are expected to support the implementation of a Collection Development Policy at BPHJ, including measures focused on preserving and expanding the collection’s use, promoting greater access to information and knowledge. The study concludes that while several considerations must be addressed when developing such a policy, the positive impact on collection management is evident. This ensures the collection’s continued relevance and strengthens the library’s role as a disseminator of information and culture. Furthermore, the proposal can serve as a model for other libraries with similar characteristics, emphasizing the importance of formalizing Collection Development Policies to ensure effective management practices.