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Library

Selection Guideline for Library Resources

Purpose

The purpose of the selection guideline is to serve as a reference for the Acquisition Unit to follow when assessing potential acquisitions and collection development of library resources (print, non-print materials, electronic and other resources)


Selection Responsibiliy

The primary responsibility for the selection of library resources is with the Acquisition Unit under the direction of the Manager, Information Resources. This unit coordinates the selection process, ensuring balance of the collection in order to support the educational and research mission of the university. Acquisition Unit collaborates with academic schools to make recommendations for purchase in their respective disciplines.


Selection Guidelines

  • The library's first priority is to provide a high quality collection of books serials and materials.
  • Acquisition of materials in the library is guided by and according to current and anticipated future teaching and research interests.
    Priority is given to current materials of lasting and scholarly value over older materials.
  • The library primarily acquires English language materials. Items in other languages are selected to support the foreign language curriculum.
  • Multiples copies will only be purchased when a title is recommended as a textbook (prescribe textbook or recommended text).
  • Ongoing withdrawal of outdated and damaged materials contributes to the maintenance of an up-to-date and balanced collection.


The following factors are considered in selection:

  • Relevance to the curriculum
  • Support for research needs of students
  • Support for faculty course preparation
  • Relationship to existing holdings
  • Relevance to professional growth
  • Accuracy and objectivity
  • Reputation of the author, publisher, or producer


Sources for selection:

  • Book reviews
  • Reviews in scholarly journals
  • Reviews in library and book trade journals such as Library Journal
  • Published bibliographies
  • Lists of recommended titles by faculty
  • Publishers' catalogs and promotional materials
  • Other Swinburne campuses


Submitting Requests

Staff and students may submit requests for purchase to the library using book request slips, available at Book Requisition Form or by calling extension 7627. The library also accepts e-mail, lists, brochures and publishers' catalogs that provide adequate bibliographic information for verifying requests. ANGKASA, the online catalog, should be checked before submitting a request to verify that the item is not already held by the library.


Status of Orders

Records for on-order materials appear in ANGKASA. When the materials are available in the library, they are also listed in the monthly New Titles on the library's web page. When placing order requests, acquisitions unit will inform requestor about the process/order and notification will be sent once the materials have been received. Circulation Unit will then contact the requestor when the item is ready for circulation and hold it at the Lending Desk.

For additional information about the selection process, please contact:
Adeline Sophia Ho at extension 7627 or DDI 082-260 627 or e-mail her at aho@swinburne.edu.my.