How Libraries Build Collections
Walking into a library, the sheer variety of books, movies, and digital resources can feel overwhelming—in the best possible way. Shelves are lined with everything from timeless classics to today’s bestsellers, alongside audiobooks, research databases, and more.
But how do these materials end up on the shelves? And why do some disappear over time? The truth is, building a library collection is both an art and a science—one that ensures libraries remain relevant and useful to their communities.
Let’s take a look behind the scenes at how libraries choose what to add, what to keep, and what to remove.
How Libraries Build Their Collections
Every book in a library is there for a reason. Librarians carefully curate collections based on community needs and interests:
- Public libraries focus on popular fiction, children’s books, and lifelong learning resources.
- Academic libraries provide research materials, journals, and specialized databases.
- School libraries balance educational content with books that spark curiosity.
Librarians track what people check out, current trends, and patron requests to guide their selections. But selecting books isn’t just about picking bestsellers. Libraries follow collection development policies to ensure a diverse, balanced, and high-quality selection. Key criteria include:
- Community Interest – will it resonate with local readers?
- Author Credibility – is it from a trusted source?
- Accuracy & Quality – is the information current and reliable?
- Popularity & Demand – are people requesting it?
- Diversity & Representation – does it reflect a range of voices and perspectives?
Where The Books Come From
Libraries don’t have unlimited budgets (in fact, some library budgets are very limited and continue to shrink), so every purchase is carefully considered. New materials often come from:
- Professional reviews from publications like Booklist, Library Journal, and more.
- Publisher catalogs & award lists (Newbery, Printz, Pulitzer, etc.).
- Direct patron requests—because readers know what they want.
Libraries also invest in a variety of formats—including eBooks, audiobooks, research databases, large-print editions, and Braille materials.
The Hidden Costs of Digital Library Collections
Libraries strive to provide free access to digital books and information, but digital collections are more expensive than many realize. In 2024, library vendor OverDrive reported that 739 million digital books were borrowed globally—a 17% increase from the previous year. With demand rising, you may have noticed long wait times for eBooks and wondered: Why doesn’t the library just buy more copies?
Unlike physical books, which libraries own forever, eBooks come with restrictions that make them more costly to lend:
- Higher Prices – Libraries often pay 3-5 times the consumer price for an eBook. A $14.99 digital book for individuals may cost $55 or more for a library—just for temporary access.
- Expiring Licenses – Libraries don’t own most eBooks; they lease them for a limited number of checkouts or years. Popular titles must be repurchased regularly.
- Limited Users – While a physical book can be loaned to one person after another, eBooks often restrict the number of concurrent borrowers—creating long wait lists for popular titles.
With tight budgets and rising costs, libraries must carefully balance digital and physical collections to ensure fair access.
Weeding 101: Why Libraries Remove Books
Imagine if a library never removed books. Shelves would be packed with outdated health guides, obsolete computer manuals, and aging reference books listing Pluto as a planet.
Libraries aren’t book warehouses—they’re living collections that evolve with their communities. Every book on the shelf is carefully chosen, and every book removed makes space for something new, timely, and exciting.
That’s why libraries “weed” their collections—yes, it’s called weeding, just like in a garden. Removing books ensures collections stay current, useful, and accessible.
Books (and other materials) are removed when they are:
- Outdated – science, technology, and medical fields change fast. A 20-year-old health guide isn’t helping anyone.
- Worn Out – Torn pages, mold, or a book held together by tape means it’s time to retire it.
- Low Circulation –if a book hasn’t been checked out in years, it may not be needed anymore.
- Too Many Copies – once-popular books may not need 10 copies taking up space.
Where Do Removed Books Go?
Libraries don’t just throw books away. Weeded books are often:
- Donated to schools, shelters, and community centers.
- Sold in library book sales to fund new purchases.
- Recycled if they’re too damaged to keep.
Weeding isn’t about getting rid of books, but rather about keeping collections fresh, relevant, and engaging.
So, the next time you browse your library, know that every title is there with intention—curated to serve, inspire, and ignite curiosity for all who walk through the doors.
FOR OUR LIBRARIES
Libraries and librarians work tirelessly to maintain collections that keep their communities—all of us—engaged, informed, and empowered. But they can only do so much with the resources they have. The American Library Association provides training and funding opportunities for libraries and library workers across the U.S., but we need your help. When you become a supporter of the ALA, you help fund our efforts to advocate for library funding, improve the skills of library workers, and improve our communities.
