Library Collection Development - Institutional Operating Policy
Responsible officer: Director, Information Services
Designated officer: Manager Library
Approving authority: Academic Board
Approval: C08/103, 9 December 2008
Last amended:
Effective starting date: 10 December 2008
Any policies replaced by this policy: Library Collection Policy – Office/Organisational Unit Purchases
Policy number: AB9.
Related policies:
Part 1: Preliminary
1. Purpose of policy
The following policy is intended to provide a framework for the development of a quality Library collection that meets the information needs of a dynamic community. The policy will ensure that the quality of the collection is maintained through consistency in selection and de-selection processes and a process of continuous evaluation.
2. Application of policy
This policy applies to all staff, students and members of University decision-making or advisory bodies.
3. Definitions
In this policy the following definitions apply:
Collection means resources in any format that the Library acquires or provides access to including online resources accessible via the Library webpage.
Database means an electronic resource containing bibliographic citations and/or full-text items.
Multimedia means resources in various media such as audio and video CDs, DVDs and software.
Realia means objects such as models.
Serial means a journal or newspaper in electronic or hard-copy format.
Part B: Policy
4. Library Collection Development Framework
4.1 Context
The Collection Development Policy operates within the context of Information Services’ Operational Plan. The policy supports the Library’s role in providing collections to meet the learning, teaching and research needs of its students and staff.
4.2 Responsibility
Collection development is a collaborative process involving library and teaching and research staff. Directions and priorities in collection development are considered in consultation with Learning and Teaching Management Committee, Research Management Committee and Academic Board on an annual basis. Final decisions on the purchase of resources rest with designated Library staff.
4.3 Scope of the collection
The Library collection holds resources designed to support the learning, teaching and research needs of the University. Resources are provided in a variety of formats including books, serials, databases, multimedia material and realia.
4.4 Clients
The Library provides collection access to the following client groups:
- All students of the University
- All staff of the University
- Alumni of the University
- Members of University Council and other University bodies
- Companies located in the Innovation Centre
- Students and staff from local schools
- Staff and students from institutions with which the University has reciprocal borrowing arrangements
- Members of the public
- Other libraries through inter-library loan and document delivery services
5. Resource selection
5.1 Selection criteria
Library Collection Development Guidelines are used in the selection of resources. The following criteria are considered when purchasing Library resources:
- Relevance of content
- Quality of content – eg highly-ranked journals in the ERA framework
- Suitability for the defined client group
- Demand – copies of each course outline’s prescribed texts and required readings are purchased for the Reserve Collection or made available via e-Reserve. Multiple copies of required readings may be purchased to meet the needs of courses taught on multiple sites and/or in response to demand in accordance with the multiple copy formula in the Collection Development Guidelines.
- Currency of content
- Format – a variety of formats may be purchased according to learning, teaching and research needs
- Adequacy of current holdings in the subject area
- Availability of resources
- Cost (initial and ongoing)
- Language - English language resources are purchased with the exception of material required to support teaching in foreign language courses
- Space and storage issues
- Accreditation requirements
5.2 Donations
Donations are assessed in accordance with the Library Collection Development Guidelines.
Donations are accepted only on the understanding that the Library has control over selection, location and disposal of resources.
6. Funding
The Library’s acquisitions budget is allocated between Faculties and Library General taking into consideration student numbers, the average book/serial cost for the discipline and projected resourcing needs of new programs and courses. The purchasing of all bibliographic resources for the University with University funds is undertaken by the Library.
7. Access
Resources purchased with University funds are catalogued and located in the Library to facilitate access. Electronic access to the collection is provided through the Library’s web catalogue. All physical resources are held in open access. The Library does not support or maintain office and/or organisational unit-based libraries.
Resources are made available in compliance with copyright and licence conditions.
The Library provides access to resources representing a variety of opinions and perspectives. The Library endorses the principles of intellectual freedom outlined in the Australian Library and Information Association’s Statement on Free Access to Information.
8. Collection maintenance
Library staff regularly monitor, evaluate and cull the collection to ensure its relevance and currency.
END
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