Collection Development Policy
Because no library can own all of the materials that should ideally be available to its patrons, it is necessary to set priorities. Therefore, the Darling Library abides by a Collection Development Policy which is revised as needed. In it, you will find the following:
I. INTRODUCTION
II. LIBRARY MISSION AND CORE OBJECTIVE
III. COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
IV. SELECTION PRINCIPLES
V. SELECTION GUIDELINES FOR SPECIFIC MATERIALS
VI. ACQUISITION PROCEDURES
VII. COLLECTION MAINTENANCE
VIII. LIBRARY COOPERATION
IX. GIFTS/DONATED MATERIALS
X. POLICY HISTORY & REVISION
Suggesting New Material
Full-time faculty may make recommendations for library acquisitions. Part-time faculty should make recommendations through their department chair. Please check to see if we have the book before asking us to make a purchase.
Donating Books
The library does take donations but the majority of the books received are sent to Better World Books to sell on consignment rather than retained for the collection.
Weeding Books
In order for the collection to remain relevant to the university’s curriculum, a systematic plan of withdrawal is followed by having the shelves reviewed by the teaching faculty. Material that is deemed unworthy of a place in the collection is further reviewed by a librarian before withdrawn.
No Textbooks
Textbooks of a general survey nature, published primarily for classroom use, are not acquired, unless they meet the criteria of being useful long-term resource materials in their own right.
