Introduces and defines the documentation and decision making processes in collection development, explores organizational models for collection development in health sciences libraries, and describes the rationales and methodologies for assessing health sciences library collections. It also explores the relationship of collection development and assessment to other library functions and services, and addresses the budgeting process. This work is intended for librarians in all types of health sciences libraries, but the principles and topics covered will have application in science libraries as well. The volume will be useful in library school classes in medical librarianship or in collection development.

"...brings together in one volume information of collection development practice previously dispersed throughout the professional literature...fills a gap in the literature by presenting this information in the context of health science libraries...the authors have left no aspect of this interesting and challenging specialty unexamined...the text is further enhanced by the nearly 100 pages of sample collection development policies from hospital and academic health sciences libraries...this work is highly recommended as a reference, text, and guide-book to practice." - Medical Reference Services Quarterly

"No comparable work covering the principles of collection development and assessment in health sciences libraries currently exists...this book is full of useful advice and concrete examples of methods covering nearly every aspect of collection development." - Library Journal

"Authors Daniel T. Richards and Dottie Eakin explore all the processes necessary to keep a health-sciences selection system healthy...of interest to science librarians as well as health science specialists." - American Libraries

"This book is not just health sciences librarianship nuts and bolts...yet, there are little tips throughout that apply only to health sciences librarianship...this book could not have been written better or less dully. It is highly recommended for all health science libraries." - Lisca

"This is a work of exceptionally high quality, well-written, concise and on-target...required reading for any graduate student contemplating a career in any health sciences or technical field." - Doody's Review Service

"...intended for librarians in all types of health sciences libraries...will also be useful to instructors of courses in medical librarianship and collection development." - Mla News