Collection Development : Priorities

I. Academic materials - factual and informational

a. Subject collections to support the curriculum (books, periodicals and non-print formats)

Includes standard works, both current and retrospective, covering each of the teaching fields offered by the University. Expansion of academic departments shifts in the focus of existing programs, or deletions of major degree fields will dictate changes in subject collection acquisitions. Teaching methods, honors, and seminar work and independent study should also be determining influences in the development of this core collection of resources. This also includes the basic materials required by faculty to keep abreast of scholarship in their fields and those needed to maintain the quality of their teaching.

b. Interdisciplinary and general academic books and periodicals

Those materials that cut across academic disciplines, including titles that are important to faculty and post-secondary students in general, regardless of whether they are immediately germane to a specific course.

c. Reference books

Subject and general reference books needed for consultation and bibliographic information.

II. Popular interest and recreational resources

Includes books that illuminate some aspect of life, develop personal skills or are of interest to those who simply enjoy reading popular fiction. Purchase of books in this category, including paperback best sellers, shall not exceed 1% of the total annual acquisition budget spent for books. Whenever possible, these materials will be acquired in paperback format. Selection may reflect current reviews, inclusion in best seller lists or selection by major book clubs. 

Popular reading materials are located on the main floor of Ramsey Library adjacent to the Circulation Desk. This collection is maintained by Circulation staff person/s. Maintenance includes shelving, weeding and circulation of the materials. All library staff persons may select quality reading materials of general interest for this collection. Monthly budget reports are generated on this fund and sent to the University Librarian or her/his designee for the purpose of monitoring expenditures. 
 

III. Special Collections

On occasion, a small part of a general subject collection may be strengthened to create a distinctive collection that is special due to the rarity of the volumes or the uniqueness of total holdings.

Ramsey Library UNCA