Much makeover has been achieved in this edition but the foundations of why haven't. While still containing traditional tenets, it also contains good information about current issues of collection development in schools. There is conversation about how students' information needs are both changing and not changing. As the fifth edition of this textbook, it covers current issues that plague the school librarian but maintains the tenets of why. It is a one-stop resource that will advise on policies and procedures of importance to schools and their resource work. Ethics and fiscal issues are addressed right along side the issue of curriculum. More information about the Common Core and its influence on curriculum could be added, but emphasis is placed on the issues of alignment of the school library collection with the curriculum.
There is a sadness to this edition. The author recently passed away - it is hoped that this this type of textbook will continue as school librarians will continue to need this guidance. Recommended

Times change. But in school libraries, the more they change, the more they remain the same. This textbook was written in three editions by Phyllis VanOrden and served as a textbook on collection development for many years. Now in its fourth edition by Kay Bishop, the essential structure of the original remains the same with new additions for various new formats. So, if you liked the previous editions, then you will welcome this one as a library school textbook. However, it would seem time to re-conceptualize the entire reason for and methods of building materials for teaching and learning in schools. For example, digital resources are now far larger than print resources, or at least should be, in schools. It’s called the 21st century and both students and teachers, in love with Google, expect quite different delivery mechanisms, access, and formats. This text assumes the traditional principles still apply with just new formats to contend with. What kind of collection do kids and teachers need? Certainly 24/7/365 is a place to begin. And we keep up with our users in devices, networks, and needs since it is they who will decide and are deciding what formats and systems to use for their information. That’s’ dreaming, but here now. So for Kay Bishop’s effort, use it if you appreciate the traditional approach. However, we put out a call for an entire makeover.