Collection Management Policy

Executive Summary

The library’s primary task is to collect, maintain, promote and provide access to relevant and representative information resources which serve the Library users and support their research, learning and teaching.

This collection management policy is a statement of a framework and set of parameters within which library staff and users work. The primary function of the collection management policy is to provide guidance to all staff when selecting and deselecting resources for the collection.  The document serves as a guideline for each stage of materials handling and also provides a sound foundation for further collection development.

The Library will:

• Seek to ensure sufficient funding to support our Mission Statement
• Acquire materials to support Research, Learning and Teaching
• Prefer the most appropriate format, utilizing electronic provision where archiving and access policies are proved to be stable
• Purchase multiple copies to support Course Reading, subject to agreed criteria
• Purchase paperbacks in general preference to hardbacks
• Purchase without bias or discrimination, within the limits of legal compliance
• Accept donations only in specific circumstances
• Decide on appropriate locations for stock
• Relegate materials to store, following consultation
• Dispose of superseded works or outdated editions of works without scholarly or intrinsic value
• Ensure the security of the physical items
• Examine the stock on a regular basis
• Preserve materials for the future, conserving and repairing as appropriate

 Mission Statement

Library, Special Collections and Museums supports the University’s ambition to be recognised locally, nationally and internationally as a broad-based university that delivers innovative and excellent teaching, learning and research.
Specifically, LSC&M will:

• Promote excellence based on our distinctive and internationally-recognised collections
• Encourage and support enquiry, research, study and enjoyment through innovation, collaboration and leadership,
• Anticipate and respond to changing user requirements and service needs