How Auckland's public libraries are responding to significant demographic changes in building their collections

Abstract

Public libraries need to build collections that are relevant to their comminutes. If these communities are changing the libraries need to know the nature of these changes and respond appropriately to them. Currently the Auckland region is undergoing significant population changes that are having affecting public libraries, particularly in relation to growing ethnic diversity. To find out how the Auckland public libraries are developing their collections in response to such important community changes, a qualitative study was conducted. Library staff involved in collection development and community analysis at each system were interviewed and collection development polices were examined. The resultant data was compared between the libraries and to the literature on collection development and multicultural services. From this analysis significant trends and differences were identified.