Fundamentals of Collection Development and Management by Peggy Johnson offers a comprehensive guide for librarians and technical services professionals. The fourth edition builds upon the previous versions, providing up-to-date insights into the critical aspects of managing library collections. Each chapter delves deeply into one facet of collection development and management, enriched with practical suggestions for further reading and narrative case studies that explore real-world challenges.

The book covers a wide range of traditional topics such as organizing the collection, weeding, staffing, and policymaking, while also addressing contemporary issues like cooperative collection development and management. It explores essential purchasing and budgeting topics, including licenses, negotiations, contracts, and maintaining productive relationships with vendors and publishers.

Johnson’s work also addresses the evolving landscape of information delivery and access technologies, discussing their impact on library practices. The book examines changing user needs and expectations, as well as the new roles subject specialists play in today’s libraries, all illustrated with updated examples and data.

Comprising 432 pages, this meticulously detailed resource is ideal for both students and seasoned professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of collection development and management. Technical Services Quarterly praised the third edition, affirming its status as an essential textbook for those in the field. The fourth edition continues to deliver on this excellence, making it a go-to reference for anyone involved in library collections.