Collecting Better: A Case Study of the Collection Development Policies and Collecting Habits of Rural Public Libraries in Western North Carolina

Diverse literature can have a range of positive impacts for teen readers. As part of their mission, the Young Adult Library Service Association recommends libraries collect materials that represent a vast array of identities and lived experiences. This study examines how five rural public libraries in western North Carolina talk about collecting diverse materials for youth in their collection development policies using content analysis. The collecting habits of the libraries are also examined using a content analysis. The study found that while the selected libraries are collecting some diverse materials, collection development policies do not reflect a need for or promotion of diverse or #OwnVoices materials. Suggestions for creating more inclusive collection development policies that advocate for diverse collections are included.Master of Science in Library Scienc