The collection development policy for W. Frank Steely Library helps library staff to meet collection goals as they relate to the mission of the library, informs the University community about the principles by which materials are selected for inclusion, and provides guidance about how we spend our collections funds. Additionally, the policy helps define our commitment to support the current teaching at the University, as well as supporting new models of research and scholarship.
Collection Development is the process of building useful, balanced collections over time within a set budget, based on assessed, ongoing information needs of the library’s users. It also includes selection criteria, resource sharing, replacement of items, and routine de-accessioning. Through collection development the Library will facilitate seamless access to robust and distinctive collections. As a library, we strive to enhance and simplify access to resources which support and enrich our users’ teaching, learning, and research. The library not only acquires print and electronic collections for the campus community, but cultivates partnerships with other libraries to achieve fast and efficient access to resources not owned by the W. Frank Steely Library.
The Library collects materials which support the current curricular and research needs of Northern Kentucky University’s undergraduate and graduate programs and that of students and faculty members. It supports the campus community in discovery and dissemination of knowledge, and protects the freedom of inquiry through research, teaching, and learning.
The library supports the information needs of its primary clientele: NKU students, faculty, and staff. The library also provides service to alumni, local and visiting researchers, and members of the surrounding community.
The library is responsible for developing its collection through a combination of selection practices, including approval plans, individual title selection, and requests from the NKU community. Librarians hold the ultimate responsibility for developing and maintaining the library’s collection based on their knowledge of the collection, expertise with collection tools and resources, and understanding of the information and resource needs of the library’s community of users. Selection processes are cooperative and can involve consultation with faculty and departments.
Faculty members are encouraged to participate in collection development. This contribution to collection development is valuable for the in-depth knowledge that faculty members have of their specific subject areas and broad discipline, as well as their curriculum and research needs. The Associate Dean for Collections is the contact person for faculty to voice any questions or concerns they may have about the library’s collection and services, or to make suggestions.
The library’s collection is developed to support and enhance the instructional and research activities and goals of NKU.
The library focuses on adding newly published materials to the collection that are authoritative and/or ground-breaking in their fields; however, the library can make retrospective selections in order to fill gaps or respond to requests with consideration according to selection guidelines.
The staff of the Collections Division will make the determination about how a resource should be purchased. The Library seeks to purchase resources in the format that will be the most useful to our faculty and students. For broad access, digital or streaming formats are prioritized.
For monographs and other physical materials, de-accessioning of the collection should be conducted regularly using national best practices as a guide. Sample criteria include:
The library does not generally purchase duplicates; however, exceptions can be made.
The Library will be pleased to consider donations of materials that align with the mission of our Special Collections and Archives.
It is the preference of W. Frank Steely Library to not purchase textbooks. In particular subject areas or for specific reasons, however, exceptions can be made. The library encourages the adoption of low-cost, affordable materials and Open Educational Resources.
