William Hessel Library
Selection Policy

Introduction:

The purpose of this policy is to serve as a guide in order to achieve consistent excellence in the choice of materials and as a statement of purposes and standards in building the collections of a community college library.  Since a library is not a static institution, this policy will be responsive to change in the curriculum of the College, its users, and in society.

Objectives of the library:

The major purpose of the library is to participate in the education program at the College by providing:

Responsibility for selection:

The responsibility for and participation in selection rests with the library.  Selection will involve a cooperative effort between the library faculty and the teaching faculty.  The department faculty bear primary responsibility for recommending materials to support those courses they teach.  Student and staff recommendation for the purchase of materials shall be welcomed.  If faculty members fail to recommend material in their subject fields, even though encouraged to take an active part in selection, the library staff will make appropriate selections. Final judgment regarding the relevance of potential additions rests with the library faculty.

Definition of library collection:

Library materials in the collection are defined as print and non-print instructional materials (e.g., books, periodicals, microfilms, electronic databases, maps, compact disks, computer software, etc.) organized and housed for retrieval and use by members of the college community and its curriculum.

General selection criteria:

Items considered for addition to the collection will be evaluated with attention given to:

Standards for specific areas:

A. Non-fiction

Selection of nonfiction titles is based on the objectives and criteria stated above.

B. Fiction

Fiction is evaluated according to the above standards plus readability, popularity, and style.

C. Reference materials

The reference collection includes selective, general, and specialized reference sources which support the college curriculum as well as selective coverage of subjects of current interest or importance.  Specific reference selection criteria include:

1. Format (CD-ROM vs. online)
2. Ease of use
3. Degree and level of data included
4. Cumulation policy
5. Level of user interest
6. Reviews and comparison with other similar titles
7. Currency of information
8. Likely frequency of use
9. Arrangement of information
10. Quality of indexes, tables, etc.
11. Comprehensive of the work

D. Textbooks

The library does not purchase copies of textbooks currently used in the classroom.

E. Electronic formats

Specific selection criteria for electronic formats include:

1. Supporting documentation
2. Ease of use (access)
3. Ability of package to support multiple users
4. Compactness
5. Licensing agreements
6. Degree of access enhancement
7. Uniqueness of content
8. Networking ability
9. Portability
10. Standardization of equipment

F. Replacements

Titles lost or damaged are considered for replacement.  The same criteria that apply in original selection will apply to replacement, with particular attention given to the following:

1. The continued value of a particular title.
2. Demand for the specific title or subject.
3. Extent of adequate coverage of the field in the existing collection.
4. The availability of newer or better materials in the field.

G. Multiple copies

Multiple copies of titles may be obtained if there is an expressed need.  In general, duplication of titles will be kept at a minimum.

H. Rare books

The library does not normally purchase rare or expensive out-of-print titles.  A purchase of a rare or out-of-print volume may on occasion be necessary.

I. Periodicals

Periodicals serve to keep the collection up-to date and provide material not available in other sources.  The general selection criteria applies to periodicals.  Other considerations include type of format (print, microform, or electronic) and indexing capability.  

J. Audio-visual materials

Specific selection criteria for audio-visuals include:

1. Equipment availability
2. Appropriateness of format
3. Rental vs. permanent acquisition
4. Educational design or ability of the item to achieve a learning objective
5. Restrictions on use and lendability
6. Ability of staff to support use of item
7. Production values

K. Gifts

The same general selection criteria applies to gifts.  Gifts will be accepted only if they are offered without conditions as to their retention or organization in the library.  The library does not appraise gifts for tax purchases.

Monetary gifts will also be accepted, if given under conditions agreeable to the library and the College.

L. Archives

The archives of Lake Michigan College consist of the publications of the College, including catalogs, handbooks, reports, yearbooks, brochures and minutes of meetings of the Board of Trustees and other committees.

The archives will also house the rare book collection containing primarily out-of-print titles about local history.

Library Bill of Rights

The library, while not endorsing any particular belief, philosophy, or opinion, will endeavor to provide a wide spectrum of materials and facilities, thus allowing patrons to choose whatever information or reading material they may require.  The library supports in principle the national statement of policy on library philosophy as expressed in the American Library Association’s Bill of Rights.

Challenged materials

Materials which are challenged by any party as being inappropriate will be reviewed by the following process:

Weeding

It is the responsibility of the library staff, in cooperation with the faculty, to withdraw materials which are appropriate or damaged.  The decision to withdraw materials is based on the following criteria: