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National Collections Program
Developing a Collections Management Policy
Policy versus Procedure
Policies are the working set of parameters that provide a framework for decision-making
and desired action in a given situation. They must provide guidance for situations that
may not have occurred; thus they must be broad enough to be flexible but not so broad as to be useless.
- Procedures by contrast, provide the mechanism and details needed to implement the policy.
- Therefore, policies allow latitude in decision-making while procedures remain firm and specific.
- The distinction between policy and procedure is best made by those drafting the CMP.
- The ultimate determination of policies is the responsibility of the appropriate administrative entity (e.g. Director, Board of Trustee) with recommendations and discussions with staff.
- However, the procedures for fulfilling the policies will be developed by the staff based on professional expertise, guidelines, and practices.
- Policies and procedures must take into account professional standards and guidelines and mold them into the institutional setting, with a consideration of the institutional mission, objectives and activities.
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