Library: Collection Development Policy

Responsible Unit: Library | Executive lead: Provost 
Created: 2/16/2016 | Reviewed/Revised: 9/30/2011, 3/31/2023 | Effective: 5/9/2023 
Compliance:  ACOTE A.2.14, CAPTE 2B4, CODA 2-22, NWCCU 2.H.1 
Approving Body: PAC | Classification: Local  

Policy:  
Library materials are selected to complement PNWU curricula and to promote the learning, teaching, and research needs of PNWU students, faculty, and staff in accordance with the university’s mission. Library staff follow the Association of College and Research Libraries’ Standards for Libraries in Higher Education Collection and the Research Library Group Conspectus regarding collection strength and intensity.  
  
Books, journals, media,  databases, and other resources are selected based on reviews and on recommendations of faculty, staff, and students. Should materials be offered in multiple formats, the digital copy offering the widest access is preferred. Journals must appear in recognized industry standard indexes to be included in the collection. Digital resource and database trials may be arranged to determine collection fit. 
  
Library staff may consider resource sharing options prior to acquisition. Library staff regularly review interlibrary loan borrower request records to determine if there are titles that should be considered for licensing or purchase.

Library staff regularly analyze the collection for currency and relevance.  

Definitions: 
N/A 

Procedure: 
See Library Operating Procedures at a Glance available at the Library. 

Related documents: 
Standards for Libraries in Higher Education 
RLG Conspectus 

Policy Resources

For assistance with policies and procedures contact:

Lori Fulton
lfulton@pnwu.edu