Policies & Procedures

AA4009 Library Collection Development Policy

Purpose

This policy serves to direct the systematic development of Library collections. The policy is intended to define a collection management program to meet the following objectives:

• To assist librarians in providing current, diverse, balanced collections of materials that support the instructional, institutional and individual needs of students, faculty and staff.
• To provide faculty, staff, and students integrated access to collections of materials in paper, electronic and media formats in the most cost-effective manner.
• To assist with short-range and long-range fiscal planning.

Statement of the Policy

The community served by the Cecil C. Tyrell Library is first and foremost SUNY Broome Community College students and employees, and all materials acquired by the library will reflect the needs of this population. The library’s collection will support the current programs and curriculum of the College. Gifts will be evaluated according to similar criteria. Whenever possible, the Library selects and acquires resources and technologies that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. If Library materials are not accessible, reasonable accommodations and timely access to users with a verified need will be provided. Responsible collection management includes both material selection and deselection procedures.

We strive to build intentional collections that recognize, value, and embrace the diverse experiences and multiple identities within our community. These identities and experiences include, but are not limited to, race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, ability, culture, language, geographic origin, level of education, religion, age, and size. By purposefully developing diverse, equitable, and inclusive collections, we aspire to foster a community of scholars and lifelong learners who engage in critical inquiry and social justice that reflects their own backgrounds and the backgrounds of others.

General Guidelines

Collection Management Responsibility
SUNY Broome librarians work cooperatively in recommending and selecting materials for purchase. Final responsibility for selection lies with the director of the Library; however, the director delegates to the library professionals the authority to make day-to-day selections. Factors considered include, but are not limited to, relevance, cost, accuracy of information, and demand.

Intellectual Freedom

The library at SUNY Broome Community College supports the American Library Association’s Bill of Rights and Intellectual Freedom Principles for Academic Libraries (http://www.ala.org/). The library acquires materials that represent differing opinions and without censorship in regard to controversial issues. The library does not add or withdraw, at the request of any individual or group, material which has been chosen or excluded on the basis of stated selection criteria. An individual or group questioning the appropriateness of material within the collection will be referred to the director of the Library.

Related Policies (by number)

IT9001 EIT Accessibility Policy; AA4005 Library Accessibility Policy

To whom it applies (title or department)

Cecil C. Tyrell Library; Director / Librarians

Definitions

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Appendix

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Action History