Library Publishing and Collection Development Activities: What’s the Connection?

This paper discusses preliminary original survey research into the connections and relationships between library publishing operations and collection development. The focus is North American research libraries and current practice, ideas and relationships are examined. The purpose of the research is to inform collection development department policy and the development of collaborations in a large North American academic research library. The research also has the potential to assist libraries in determining how to best create and integrate library publishing services and their products into library collection development activities. Potential challenges, stakeholder comments, roles and issues for libraries wanting to include library publishing services in collection development activities are presented. Recommendations are offered and directions for future investigation are suggested.