Cornette Library, West Texas A&M University

Collection Development Policy

I. Purpose

This policy is intended to be used by librarians of West Texas A&M University as a guide to the development and management of the collection of the Cornette Library, and to provide all interested parties with a description of the library's collection development process.

II. Guiding principles

A. The selection of information resources for ownership or contracted access by the Cornette Library must be conducted in accord with the library's Mission and Goals.

B. The best professional judgment of faculty members and librarians must be employed in selecting information resources with regard to quality, relevance to the library's Mission and Goals, and usability.

C. Ultimate responsibility for selection resides in the University Librarian, under the supervision of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

III. Procedures

A. A substantial portion of the library's funds will be allocated annually, early in the fall semester, by the University Librarian to the heads of academic departments for the purchase of monographs for the circulating collection. These funds will be allocated according to a formula set by the University Library Committee in consultation with the University Librarian. Monographs to be purchased with these funds will be selected by the faculty of each department in a manner determined by the department head. After a date early in the spring semester, set and publicized by the University Librarian when funds are allocated in the fall, funds that remain in departmental allocations may be used to purchase materials selected directly by librarians.

B. A portion of the library's funds will be allocated annually by the University Librarian to the Head of Reference for the purchase of monographs for the reference collection.

C. Because they require a recurring commitment of funds, subscription resources will be selected directly by librarians, with advice from the faculty. A form is provided for faculty suggestions for subscriptions resources. In addition to considerations of quality, relevance, and usability, selection of subscription resources will also be based on the likely ability of the library to need and sustain a subscription over the long term.

D. From time to time, the library's collection, or portions thereof, will be assessed and weeded to ensure the collection's adequacy relative to the library's Mission and Goals.

Any questions? Ask a Librarian, or call us at 806/651-2215.