Collection Development Policy

RYAN LIBRARY
POINT LOMA NAZARENE UNIVERSITY
September 1996

I. INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this statement is to clarify collection development objectives to assign responsibility for the development of the collection, and to provide guidelines for the selection of library materials and for the withdrawal of materials.

This document presents the first phase of a two-step process. It states the collection goals of the library and synthesizes policies and procedures for the selection and acquisition of different types of materials. During the second phase the collection will be analyzed in terms of the subject areas represented, and the extent of future collecting activities in each subject will be described.

A. Mission and Philosophy of the University

The purpose of the library is to support the institutional mission--”to provide higher education in a vital Christian community where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service becomes an expression of faith. The following goals are within the scope of the institutional mission.

1. General Educational Objectives

a. A knowledge and appreciation of cultural, intellectual, social, scientific, and spiritual development, through general studies in the natural sciences, the humanities, the social sciences, the fine arts, and religion.

b. The knowledge and skills required to live intelligently and effectively in the modern world, including:

1. A comprehension of physical and mental health, recreational skills, the successive stages of life, and the challenge of aging.

2. The development of interpersonal skills for successful marriage, family life, interracial accord, and intercultural relations.

3. An understanding of the art and science of communication, with the development of acceptable skills in reading, writing, and speaking of the English language.

4. A knowledge of the role and significance of social, political, and economic factors on human life.

5. An awareness of the impact of science and technology on the welfare of the individual, the natural environment, and the survival of the human race.

6. An exposure to international issues and the comparative values of established and emerging nations and cultures.

7. A grounding in philosophy and religion for the appraisal of values and Christian ethical decisions.

8. A beginning in the creative synthesis of Christian faith, learning and life.

9. An acquaintance with the distinctive emphases of the Wesleyan-Arminian theological tradition.

c. A reasonable mastery of the knowledge, skills, and values of one or more of the major branches of learning.

2. Personal Academic Attitudes

a. A love for truth.

b. A thirst for knowledge and life-long learning.

c. The capacity to arrive at sound judgements and discriminating personal convictions.

3. Professional Preparation

a. Substantial pre-professional preparation in medicine, dentistry, engineering, law, ROTC and the Christian ministry.

b. Professional preparation in nursing, teaching, administration and counseling.

c. Preparation for graduate study.

d. Professional or vocational preparation in such areas as Computer Science, Business Administration, Sociology, Psychology, Human Environmental Sciences, Art and Music.

To support these college goals it is the library’s objective to select and acquire as economically and expeditiously as possible materials which are most relevant to the academic curriculum; additional considerations are research needs and general reading interests of the students and faculty.

The primary users of our collections and services are the students and the faculty. Other users include the administration and staff, alumni and pastors, neighbors of the campus, and students from other local schools.

In order to provide access to sources of information appropriate to the needs of our academic community, but which are often beyond the resources available on this campus, it is important that the library cooperate in resource sharing. This may include participation in OCLC, Medical Library Group of Southern California and Arizona Periodical Union List, and the California Union List of Periodicals. The library also recognizes the need for access to global information available through electronic sources by providing remote access to Phineas, the library online catalog, and to other academic collections.

Since a college is a dynamic institution and the library must be responsive to change, it is intended that this policy statement will be reviewed regularly by the library faculty. It should be reviewed at least every three years.

B. Collection Development Policy Objectives

1. To provide guidelines for selecting quality learning resource materials, with the goal of achieving a balanced collection.

2. To describe the selection process, including identifying selection responsibilities.

3. To state what types of materials are not collected.

4. To describe the depth to which each subject area will be collected.

5. To provide guidelines for withdrawing materials from the collection.

6. To define the policy for the acceptance of gifts to the library.

7. To discussed the issue of censorship, and to outline procedures for handling complaints and questions.

II. SELECTION PROCESS

The responsibility for building a strong book collection is shared among administrators, faculty and librarians. The college administration must provide adequate funds to build a collection capable of supporting the curriculum. Faculty selection is important to directly support specific course needs. Librarians select with the goal of developing and maintaining a well-balanced core collection.

A. Funds

The library budget is reviewed annually by the Administration who usually provide a percentage limitation on the amount of increase of the budget. After the library budget is reviewed by the Library Director it is submitted to the Administration of approval. The library book budget is divided between the two categories of general and departmental. The Library Director bases decisions that may affect a change in the book budget on several factors including: the number of faculty in a department, number of majors, number of programs, graduate vs. undergraduate courses, book usage, and the number and cost of books published in each discipline.

1. General Book Budget

The general book budget, usually encumbered by the library faculty, is used for the following areas:

a. Replacement of lost and physically deteriorated books.

b. New programs or curricular expansion.

c. General categories such as:

(1) Interdisciplinary and broad cultural materials not specifically connected to any one curriculum.

(2) Miscellaneous orders from sources including: Library Journal, New York Times Book Review, Publishers Weekly, Choice, and Journal of Academic Librarianship, on current interest subjects and general informational sources.

d. Notable books that may appear on nationally recognized lists including “Outstanding Academic Books” in Choice Magazine, bibliographic instruction and librarianship materials and some special collection publications.

e. Holiness and Wesleyan literature.

f. Pamphlet file materials.

g. Reference materials, general and specialized, and periodical indexes.

h. Standing orders (continuations, such as annuals) on all subjects and deposit accounts, including Government Printing Office and Bernan Associates.

2. Departmental Book Budget

The departmental book budgets are spent primarily by the faculty of the academic departments. The allocation formula currently being used is as follows: 20% divided equally among the academic departments; 20% divided among departments on a use index percentage; 40% divided among departments based on student contact hours; and 20% divided among the departments using the latest PLNC Book Cost Index. (See figure 1)

3. Special Funds

a. Hull Memorial Arminian Fund

Established in 1975 to support the purchase of a major collection of materials on Arminius, monies in this fund are used expressly for the purchase of materials for the Arminianism Special Collection.

b. Library Materials Fund

Established in the 1970's, this donor’s fund provides monies that are to be expended for library materials.

c. Library New Book Gift Fund

Established in the 1970's, these monies are specifically designated for the purchase of new books.

B. Selection Responsibilities

Selection of library materials is the joint responsibility of the library faculty and the teaching faculty. The librarians assume primary responsibility for selection of materials for the general book budget. They also carry the responsibility for unassigned areas in order to achieve a balanced collection and to coordinate the resource development of the library as a whole.

The departmental book budgets are spent according to faculty and librarian selection. Within each department the annual book allocation should be distributed equitably so that each subdivision of the discipline will be adequately represented.

Each librarian serves as liaison librarian with one or more academic department. Ideally, a library representative selected by the department coordinates the spending and, working with the liaison librarian, keeps colleagues aware of funds available. Faculty members have the responsibility to choose the most appropriate materials to support their curriculum and to indicate the priority of each order. Each order is to be ranked 1, 2, or 3, with 1 as highest priority.

It is the liaison librarian’s responsibility to prevent the collection from becoming slanted. In order to ensure a balanced collection, the librarian retains the right to order materials and to return orders to departments for prioritization or for reconsideration if they do not meet the criteria set forth in this policy.

All members of the college community are able to submit requests for items that they would like to see added to the collection. These requests will be given serious consideration when the material requested meets the guidelines of this policy.

The ultimate responsibility for setting and interpreting collection development policies rests with the library faculty.

C. Criteria for Selection

Many factors influence selection. The following criteria will be used as they apply:

1. Materials should support and be consistent with the general educational goals and the specific instructional programs of the college.

2. Materials should meet high standards of quality and scholarship in factual content and presentation.

3. Materials should be of contemporary significance and/or permanent value.

4. Consideration should be given to materials for general information in subject areas not covered by the instructional programs.

5. Materials on controversial issues will be directed toward maintaining a balanced collection representing various views.

D. Reviews

Unfortunately most decisions cannot be made with the book in hand, therefore the use of critical reviews is strongly recommended in making selections. One of the major review sources for materials suitable for the college library is the journal Choice. Each month the liaison librarian sends to the department review cards produced by Choice from which the faculty may recommend purchases. Faculty members are encouraged to submit requests accompanied by favorable critical academic reviews. The librarians regularly read review sources such as:

Booklist Journal of Academic Librarianship

Choice Library Journal

College & Research Libraries Publishers Weekly

Frequently publishers’ brochures and catalogs are used for selecting materials. Since these brochures are produced and distributed for promotional purposes, they should be used with a degree of caution. Knowledge about the strengths of the various publishers is helpful. Books produced by university presses and academic or professional societies are likely to be appropriate for a college collection, although they may be aimed at a graduate or faculty audience.

Other sources are also used including bibliographies and lists prepared by other libraries and subject authorities.

E. Collection Priorities/Levels of Collection

The major responsibility of the library is to support teaching programs. It is recognized that the requirements for library materials vary in the different subject areas. The library will attempt to follow current and projected degree and research programs in meeting the needs of various academic departments. The college catalog and/or long-range plans will be utilized to document the three levels of collection development intensity as follows:

1. General Level--a selective collection of materials serving to introduce and define the subject. It includes bibliographies, dictionaries, encyclopedias, important works of major authors, historical surveys, biographies and periodicals for keeping current with scholarship in the field.

2. Undergraduate Level--a collection designed to meet instructional needs. It includes basic works, collections of the works of more important figures (both authors and critics), selections from the works of secondary writers, yearbooks, handbooks, a core collection of journals, and bibliographic materials pertaining to the subject.

3. Graduate Level--a limited collection of materials including representative journals, which covers fundamental works of scholarship for use by graduate students and faculty members. These materials may serve departments granting undergraduate degrees as well as those granting graduate degrees.

F. Acquisitions

The aim of the acquisition procedure is to process faculty requests efficiently and expeditiously. Book order requests encumbering departmental allocations are processed according to priorities as indicated on the requests submitted by the faculty.

The selections, approved by the appropriate liaison librarian, are forwarded to the acquisitions unit of technical services.

If there is any question about which fund is to be used, the Library Director, who also serves as the Acquisitions Librarian, has the final decision regarding fund expenditures.

III. GENERAL POLICIES

A. Current vs. Retrospective

Since we are not a research library, retrospective materials are not purchased.

B. Popular Literature

Given the mission of the college and the library, current non-course related popular literature has low priority. The public library systems provide an ample supply and choice of these materials whereas Ryan Library can provide only a sampling.

C. Foreign Language Materials

Our priority will be on English language materials except for those materials necessary for the teaching and learning of foreign languages. In order to augment language studies, a variety of materials in Spanish, French and German will be considered for purchase. Aside from dictionaries, few if any purchases will be made of materials in languages not taught at the college.

D. Multiple Copies

Because of the need to acquire as many titles as possible with limited funds and because of a space shortage, the usual procedure will be to order only one copy of a title for the general collection. Only in unusual circumstances and after careful consideration by the librarians will additional copies be ordered. Duplicate copies may be ordered for one of the Special Collections. Gifts that are duplicates should meet the same criteria as purchased books.

E. Replacement/Mending

The library does not automatically replace all books withdrawn because of loss, damage or wear. When a book is declared lost (approximately 1 year after reported missing), a decision on replacement will depend on:

1. Demand for the particular title or subject

2. Existence of similar material in the collection

3. Availability of better and more current material

Worn books will be mended in-house if the damage is not too great and the book is not likely to be withdrawn soon. Books are rebound only if in demand and no longer in print.

F. Textbooks

Textbooks, defined here as a work whose published form clearly indicated its intended use as a principal teaching aid, are normally excluded from the permanent collection. There may be exceptions including:

1. When a particular textbook is a classic in the field

2. When other kinds of monographs in a curricular area are sparse.

3. When a textbook treats an important extra-curricular subject not otherwise represented in the collection.

G. Out of Print Books

Out of print titles will seldom be ordered because they are usually costly and require an inordinate amount of staff time to acquire.

H. Preferred Format

Paperbacks are normally purchased instead of hardbacks because of the cost differential but hardbacks are accepted when a paperback is not available. Durable plastic covers are usually attached to the paperbacks. Ordering of spiral bound or loose leaf items is discouraged, but when comparable information is not available in a preferred format, they will be considered. Microforms are seldom purchased for monographs.

IV. SPECIFIC AREAS

A. Reference

The Reference Collection is a non-circulating collection of materials designed to provide quick access to factual information in all subject fields. A strong reference collection is necessary to support the curriculum. Since there are graduate level programs in religion and education, more in-depth information sources are provided in these areas. Foundational tools such as biographical works, subject encyclopedias and dictionaries, and research guides will be emphasized. Reference materials of all types are selected in accordance with the established Criteria for Selection (II.C).

Instructional Services Librarians have the primary responsibility for pursuing a systematic and continuous acquisition program for the reference collection. Recommendations from faculty for new acquisitions for reference titles will be received and reviewed by the librarians; however, the recommendations are not an automatic approval for that title to be ordered.

The Reference Collection excludes bibliographies, maps, theses, dissertations, genealogy (except for works pertaining to general history) and legal materials (other than basic reference sources). Annual reviews in specific subjects will be placed in the general collection.

The Reference Collection includes:

1. Almanacs and yearbooks.

2. Bibles - a representative collection of versions of the bible in English, as well as some foreign translations, selected commentaries and concordances.

3. Biographies - comprehensive works dealing with professional, national and international, including both retrospective and current biography.

4. Company Annual Reports - cataloged and retained for three years.

5. Dictionaries - unilingual, bilingual, and polylingual dictionaries in the major languages, as well as Hebrew and Greek theological dictionaries.

6. Directories - current editions of major directories in the academic areas of the social sciences, humanities and sciences.

7. Encyclopedias - general English language encyclopedias (purchased on rotating basis, with one new set each year). Replaced editions may be kept elsewhere for use in the library or withdrawn and made available for sale or exchange. Specialized encyclopedias/dictionaries support the major disciplines covered in the eighteen academic departments.

8. Geographical Sources - atlases and gazetteers covering all areas of the world.

9. Handbooks - current and authoritative handbooks in all subject disciplines.

10. Pamphlets - a cataloged collection of pamphlets and other ephemeral materials of current interest.

11. Periodical Abstracts and Indexes.

12. Statistical Sources - coverage of international and U.S. sources.

13. Style Manuals.

The following guidelines will be observed in maintaining the collection:

1. Proceedings, annual reviews, conference reports, and some yearbooks in subject areas will be housed in the circulating collection.

2. A periodic inventory of the reference collection will be accomplished by the technical services unit.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->3. <!--[endif]-->It is not possible to keep all back editions of encyclopedias, directories, almanacs, and statistical materials. Generally five years of statistical materials and three years of directory publications will be kept. Specific retention policies will be noted in the Phineas bibliographic record.

Reference weeding:

Librarians will follow the same principles and guidelines in weeding as in acquisition of new materials. Since each discipline covered by the reference collection requires different types of materials, it is impossible to establish any absolute standards to be followed in weeding. For some disciplines the reference collection should provide current materials only; for others it must also provide retrospective and historical works.

Some general criteria which should be considered in weeding are:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->4. <!--[endif]-->Significance of the publication. (Is it listed in Sheehy’s Guide to Reference Books or another reputable guide)?

<!--[if !supportLists]-->5. <!--[endif]-->Age and currency of the publication.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->6. <!--[endif]-->Availability of later editions.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->7. <!--[endif]-->Physical condition of the publication.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->8. <!--[endif]-->Duplication of the contents in more recent works.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->9. <!--[endif]-->Language of publication.

B. Periodicals

The multiplicity of new serial titles, the potential obligation to maintain a serial title in perpetuity and the escalating costs of purchasing, binding, and storing serials and microforms make a high degree of selectivity mandatory. Therefore, requests for periodical subscriptions cannot be treated like requests for books.

The amount of money available for new periodicals is very limited, and within that constraint primary consideration is given to journals that (1) are included in indexing and abstracting services available in Ryan Library, (2) present substantial information related to disciplines taught at PLNU (or are general interest periodicals appropriate to this collection), and (3) are favorable reviewed (e.g. by Choice or William Katz, Magazines for Libraires).

Certain categories of journals are inappropriate to our collection. Unindexed journals are extremely difficult to use in a collection of any size. Journals so narrow as to be limited to the interests of a few individuals are too specialized for an institution of this size and nature. Some journals of broader appeal may be too expensive and may be more appropriate to a public or research library.

Other selection criteria include the following:

1. The amount currently expended for subscriptions in a single subject area and the number of titles received for that subject.

2. The scarcity of material on the subject.

3. The price, especially the cost of subscription in relation to its possible use.

4. The number of students enrolled courses in the subject and anticipated level of use by the students writing papers.

5. The organization issuing the publication, the authority and reputation of the editors and contributors.

6. Whether the title has been in existence for at least a year.

7. Whether the title is subscribed to by another local library.

Faculty may recommend new titles, but are usually requested to suggest a periodical in their academic area to cancel. Librarians make the final decision regarding subscriptions. There are no departmental budgets for periodicals, but equity among departments is one consideration in expending the periodical budget.

Ordering of periodicals is done primarily through a subscription agency. A small number of very expensive titles are ordered direct, to avoid the jobber’s service charge. New subscriptions are begun in January.

All journals are acquired in paper for at least the current year. However, because of space and preservation problems, many periodical back issues will be provided in microform rather than paper. In cases where a journal is such that microform loses valuable information (illustrations or color designations in graphs and charts), the choice for the permanent copy is bound paper. For other titles preference is given to microfiche over microfilm; 35mm over 16mm for film; positive over negative polarity and silver over non-silver.

Little time or money will be spent in acquiring back files. Missing issues will be claimed from the publisher promptly; issues unavailable from the publisher may be purchased from a vendor.

English language periodicals are purchased almost exclusively, although at least one title will be available in each of the modern foreign languages taught at the college.

C. Newspapers

Several daily newspapers are received to provide current events information and recreational reading. Those titles are retained for six months, but the retrospective record is provided by the New York Times on microfilm and CD-ROM access to national newspapers. Presently we subscribe to: Los Angeles Times; San Diego Union-Tribune; and the Wall Street Journal.

D. Faculty Reading Room

Beginning in the fall of 1995, subscriptions to a number of newspapers and magazines were ordered for this room. As the current issues arrive, the older issues are retained Ryan Library, if they are not duplicates. Presently the following newspapers are received: London Times (Sunday Edition); Los Angeles Times; New York Times; Wall Street Journal; and the Washington Post.

E. Continuations

Continuations and periodicals are usually considered the two major types of publications which are issued more than once. Like periodical literature, continuations are considered valuable to academic libraries for current and state-of-the-art information. Continuations include monographic series, supplements, yearbooks, proceedings of conferences, and reference titles. They are usually purchased from reference or continuation funds. Other kinds of continuations must be considered for purchase through the normal selections process by the librarians and faculty.

Since continuations represent an expensive commitment of future library funds, librarians and faculty must weigh carefully the usefulness of the series in relation to other publications in the same subject area. Because it is often difficult to determine the quality and usefulness of a series on the basis of its first issue, periodic review of continuations should be undertaken with the appropriate department for possible cancellation.

F. Children’s Literature Collection

The major purpose of the collection is to support the Children’s Literature class and, to a limited degree, to provide materials for student teachers.

The following guidelines are used in the selection of materials:

1. To acquire primarily those books which are recommended from standardized lists, such as Caldecott Award Medal, Newbery Medal book, etc.

2. To receive recommendation from the Literature/Journalism/Modern Languages, Teacher Education, or Graduate Education Departments.

3. To purchase books primarily for children through the 6th grade.

4. To accept gift books for the Children’s Literature Collection only if these titles are included in recommended lists or if they contribute sufficiently to the purpose of the collection.

5. To attempt to broaden the collection by including recommended materials on folklore, legends, science fiction, biography, multiculturalism and other non-fiction areas.

6. To purchase primarily English language materials.

7. The following lists are used in evaluating materials for the collection: Gillespie & Naden, Best Books for Children; Sutherland, The Best in Children’s Books; Recommended Reading in Literature (California Department of Education).

G. Miscellaneous

1. Government Publications

Since there are several depository libraries in the area, we do not attempt to duplicate the material they receive; or purchase of government publication is selective.

2. College Catalogs

The library subscribes annually to a complete set of United States college catalogs on microfiche. Paper copies of catalogs from Nazarene institutions of higher education are acquired as well as some California colleges and universities.

3. Theses and Dissertations

There is an attempt to acquire copies of every thesis and dissertation written by our graduate students.

There is also an attempt to acquire copies of dissertations completed by faculty members. If one copy is received, it is placed in the “P” collection. Additional copies are placed in the general collection.

4. Music Scores

Some music scores may be selected for purchase by the music faculty. These should be in monographic form, rather than sheet music. The Music Department has some scores available for check-out to faculty and students.

5. Computer Files

H. CD-ROMS

Decisions regarding investing in CD-ROM products should be based upon:

1. Long term costs.

2. Hardware needs.

3. Level of user instruction.

4. Advantages over other formats in which the information may be available.

V. ARCHIVES/SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

Point Loma Nazarene University Archives is established as a repository to preserve documents, records, books, theses, photographs, computer files, memorabilia and papers that record, illustrate or document the history of the institution and its predecessors.

A. Materials

The librarian in charge of the archives has the responsibility and authority to collect all records and papers as listed below. All offices should send copies of items which they produce to the archives, either as they are produced, or at the close of each school year. All offices should propose a schedule for the orderly transfer or disposal of inactive files or records.

1. The archives will accept gifts relating to Pasadena College/Point Loma College/Point Loma Nazarene College/Point Loma Nazarene University, any alumnus or former student or to any individual who served on the Board of Trustees, administration, faculty or support staff.

2. The archives will accept gift relating to the Southwest Educational Zone of the Church of the Nazarene on the conditions that it be on a space available basis, has the cooperation of the General Church, and has the approval of the Trustees.

3. A dated deed of gift showing legal transfer will be signed by the donor. A donor may place publication restrictions and terms of confidentiality may be stipulated.

B. Special Collections Designations

A- Arminianism and the Remonstrant Movement

Historical and ecclesiastical backgrounds

Netherlands History, Netherlands Church History

Arminius

Principal Authors - Remonstrant pro and contra

English Arminian - Calvinistic Controversy

19th Century

20th Century

H- Holiness Resource Library

H1--Pre-Wesleyan authors on the Holy Life

H2--Wesley and early Methodism to 1830

H3--Wesley’s contemporaries

Whitfield

Countess Huntingdon

Hawies, etc.

H4--(Has been merged with general collection)

H5--Non-Wesleyan works on the Holy Spirit

P- Pasadena College/Point Loma College Authors

M- Rohr Miscellany

M1--Bible Collection

M2--Signed editions

M3--Americana

M4--Wiley Collection

VI. GIFTS

Ryan Library appreciates and encourages gifts to its collection with the understanding that only those gifts that the library is free to use in the most beneficial manner will be accepted. The library maintains the right to decide whether or not any gift is to be added to the collection, placed on exchange, sold, or discarded. Gift materials will be subject to the Criteria for Selection previously stated in this policy (II.C.).

Donors will be asked to complete a Gift Acknowledgment form (see Appendix C). The appraisal of gifts for tax purposes is the responsibility of the donor. All gifts will be acknowledged with a thank you letter.

Gift materials must be of such a nature that they can be integrated into the collection and not require special facilities, control, or staffing. Those materials requiring continuing obligations on the part of the library (such as periodical subscriptions) should not be accepted without serious consideration of the library’s ability to keep the material up-to-date. The value of the gift should be weighed against space limitations and the cost of processing the materials. Gifts of periodicals (back issues of journals, whether long runs or scattered issues) are generally declined unless the issue or issues fills a gap in the library’s holdings.

Monetary donations to the library for the purpose of purchasing library materials are accepted subject to the approval of the Library Director. Generally, these gifts should not be restricted by the donor.

VII. WEEDING/DISCARDING

The process of weeding is necessary to insure that the library collection continues to support the educational goals of the college. Weeding consists of selectively identifying and removing those volumes from the collection which because of age, duplication, condition or program changes no longer satisfy the informational needs of the library’s clientele. Weeding within a subject area is an ongoing program supervised by the liaison librarian. Consultation with the teaching faculty is especially important as a safeguard against the withdrawal or cancellation of materials with special qualities or significance.

The decision to dispose of certain items takes into account such factors as past circulation record, date of publication and inclusion on a standard list or bibliography (e.g. Books for College Libraries), as well as the judgement of librarians and teaching faculty members as to the usefulness and authenticity of material in their respective subject areas. The criteria used to identify titles for withdrawal from the collection are reviewed on a regular basis and are consistent with the criteria for selection.

Some types of library materials (e.g. reference, periodicals, continuations, and juvenile literature) may have a unique set of withdrawal criteria. Established withdrawal policies for specific titles are noted in the bibliographic record. Superseded editions of titles for which policies have not been formulated become candidates for withdrawal. Materials may be transferred from one collection to another (e.g. reference materials to the circulating collection). When books are withdrawn from the collection, they are offered for sale or discarded.

VIII. COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT TODAY AND TOMORROW

“The availability of databases via the INTERNET and the concept of the virtual library are changing the complexion of locally owned collections. Access versus ownership is the issue challenging library managers...the possible privatization of the INTERNET and the expansion of cooperative collection development activities will be major factors in library collection development decisions.

Collection development control is shifting from classroom faculty to librarians to ensure a balanced comprehensive collection. The information explosion, shrinking budgets and the increased number of formats require selectors with a broad understanding of the complex issues involved. Dial access and virtual instruction pave the way for more information on demand and less acquisition of materials in the hope of need.

Balancing this finely tuned process will more than challenge library personnel. Academic libraries in transition are facing changes in mission, scope and information format.”

from Collection Management in the Electronic Age. p8

IX. APPENDIX

A. Library Bill of Rights

LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS*

The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.

1. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.

2. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

3. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

4. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.

5. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.

6. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

Adopted June 18, 1948 Amended February 2, 1961, June 27, 1967 and January 23, 1980 by the ALA council.

* Source Office for Intellectual Freedom, American Library Association. This document and many others related to Intellectual Freedom are available from the Office for Intellectual Freedom, American Library Association, 50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611.

B. Censorship Statement

1. Historical perspective

Historically, censorship by the library or its librarians has not been a significant problem at PLNU. The philosophy behind the development of the library collection has been to place a strong emphasis upon supporting the curriculum. Faculty are encouraged to take an active role in book selection. Any imbalance in the collection may be a result of these two factors.

2. Professional perspective

Intellectual freedom and the right to read have been important goals for the library profession. Both the American Library Association and the California Library Association have adopted a series of documents which 1) oppose censorship, 2) preserve the right of privacy, 3) preserve the right of free access and 4) aggressively convey these positions to the community. Ryan Library and/or the librarians have memberships in the above professional organizations.

3. Statement

The librarians of Point Loma Nazarene University affirm the patron’s right to privacy and right to read, endorse the Intellectual Freedom Statements prepared by ALA (American Library Association) and CLA (California Library Association) and believe that they do not have the right to exercise censorship unilaterally.

4. Procedures

In the event that a patron has a complaint about “objectionable” material in the collection, the following procedures are to be used:

1. Patron fills out Complaint Regarding Library Material Form.

2. Complaint is referred to the Library Director who will form an ad hoc committee consisting of an ASB officer, two faculty members (one of whom will be outside the subject are of the “objectionable” material), the Director and another librarian.

3. Response to the patron’s complaint is to be delivered in writing within 30 days.

In the event that a patron has a complaint that the library is “censoring” materials, the following procedure is to be used:

1. Patron writes a statement expressing concerns.

2. Complaint is referred to the Library Director who will form an ad hoc committee consisting of an ASB officer, two faculty members (one of whom will be outside the subject area of the “objectionable” material), the Director and another librarian.

3. Response to the patron’s complaint is to be delivered in writing within 30 days.

PROCEDURE FOR LIBRARIAN:

In the event that a librarian has a question about material to be added to the collection, the procedure below should be followed:

1. If request is from a professor, call professor to see if he/she is aware of the nature of the material.

2. Material in question should be presented to the Library Director who will form an ad hoc committee consisting of an ASB officer, two faculty members (one of whom will be outside the subject area of the “objectionable” material), the Director and another librarian.

3. Response to the faculty member is to be delivered in writing within 30 days.

COMPLAINT REGARDING LIBRARY MATERIAL

1. NAME DATE

(Please print)

ADDRESS

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PHONE NUMBER ( )

COMPLAINT REPRESENTS HIMSELF/HERSELF, ORGANIZATION REPRESENTED, IF APPLICABLE 2. MATERIAL: author title publisher

hardcover paperback magazine other (identify) 3. TO WHAT IN THE MATERIAL DO YOU OBJECT? (Please be specific, cite page number) 4. WHAT DO YOU FEEL MIGHT BE THE RESULT OF READING/HEARING/SEEING THIS

MATERIAL? 5. IS THERE ANYTHING GOOD ABOUT THE MATERIAL IN YOUR OPINION? 6. DID YOU READ/HEAR/SEE THIS ENTIRE WORK? WHAT PARTS OF IT? 7. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS THE THEME OF THIS MATERIAL? 8. ADDED COMMENTS:

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