Quale politica per lo sviluppo delle collezioni? Nuove strategie e criticità

One of the most disruptive aspects of recent library developments is the loss of centrality of the collections, once the heart of the 'Gutenbergian library'. An evolution of the concept of ‘collection’ and of the multiple components interacting in the communication sphere are in progress. These include content quality, market interests, regulatory aspects, the user's role and expectations; at the same time, the agents of knowledge production and the communication chain are redefining their position in an increasingly competitive climate. This paper will try to point out - on the basis of perspectives and experiences emerging from the current international debate - the evolution of the concept of collection (collection, post-collection, smart collection) highlighting the challenges and critical issues that libraries are facing, but also the welcome prospects for wide-ranging collaboration, in an effort to combine current needs, private and public interests, with responsibilities towards our heritage and the future generations.