Selection Criteria
Selection of material for stock is carried out by Faculty Librarians, working in conjunction with teaching staff and researchers. Librarians are able to complement the subject knowledge of teaching staff through awareness of what is being published, bibliographical knowledge and experience of library use of materials.
This section details the criteria for selecting essential reading materials and other reading materials, guidance for accepting donations and ephemeral material and replacing missing and damaged items.
Essential Reading
The Library will purchase at least one copy of texts identified by teaching staff as essential reading for students. Paperback copies will normally be purchased.
Suggestions should be submitted at least three months before items are needed, thereby allowing time for the item to be acquired and processed or for staff to be advised if an item is unobtainable.
Where multiple copies are required, library staff will endeavour to purchase an electronic copy. Otherwise consideration will be given to the number of students participating in particular course units.
Where a copy of the item is already in stock , the purchase of additional copies will be informed by loan patterns. In the case of journal articles, links to electronic copies will be added to the Talis List online reading list service or a copyright cleared photocopy will be provided in the University Library’s Short Loan Collection.
Other Reading
Teaching staff or library staff may recommend items for purchase which will
- broaden library stock, encouraging students to read more widely in their subject area or
- assist staff in keeping up-to-date with developments in their subjects and in pursuing research.
One copy will usually be purchased.
Donations
Donations will be accepted if they are in good condition and fulfil the selection criteria. The Library will retain the right to dispose of donated material.
Ephemeral material
Ephemeral materialwill only be added to stock if its lifetime is expected to be at least one year and it is essential for supporting specific units.
Missing and damaged items
Missing items and items that are damaged beyond repair will be replaced, subject to availability and recent usage. The Faculty Librarian may decide to purchase a more up-to-date publication if appropriate. These will be purchased from departmental funds. Items that have been lost and paid for by the borrower are replaced from central funds.
