The Collection
The Collection
The Thomas University Library is made up of three separate collections, the general collection, the periodical collection, and the reference collection. The general collection contains books, audio, and video on the disciplines of Thomas University. The periodical collection contains journals and magazines on a wide range of topics, with the most recent issues available for browsing. Older editions are available per request. The reference collection contains materials for use in the library on the disciplines of Thomas University.
Acquisition and Collection Development Policy
It is the purpose of Thomas University Library to support the curriculum of the University by maintaining an adequate collection of books, journals, and non-print resources in addition to providing access to resources external to the collection by way of electronic databases, online resources, and Interlibrary Loan Capability. The Library also makes its resources available whenever possible to the general public in the University's service area.
Purchases of library materials are made on the basis of requests by faculty members and the librarians. First priority is given to materials that directly support the University curriculum. All material requests will be considered in the context of building a balanced collection. Faculty input will be considered based on the rationale presented by the requesting faculty member, the usefulness/benefit to the students, cost, the availability of the subject material within the collection or external accessibility. All faculty requests are to be prioritized by the requestor in order that they may be considered within existing budgetary limitations. Requests made by faculty are to be made to the Library Director by February 1. Those requests over $200.00 are subject to review by the Library Advisory Committee.
The general principles on which materials are selected include the following:
- 1) Support of the University curriculum
- 2) Sustain overall quality of collection
- 3) Support of faculty research needs
- 4) General information
- 5) Extracurricular interest
Requests for ephemeral materials and materials of limited interest should be avoided.
Recognizing that the Library's collection development budget is finite, faculty members are asked to prioritize their requests in order that the most needed materials are acquired within existing budgetary limits.
Final authority for all purchases will rest with the Library Director, who has the responsibility for maintaining balance in the collection and ensuring equitable distribution of funds to all academic areas.
Periodical Subscriptions
Recognizing that periodicals play an important role in the conduct of research and in the fulfillment of many classroom assignments, as well as for providing opportunities for recreational reading, the Library strives to maintain a balanced subscription base of magazines and journals. Criteria for initiating and maintaining individual subscriptions include whether the periodical is included in an index subscribed to by the Library, whether the periodical supports student and faculty research, and whether the periodical satisfies popular demand. Requests for the addition or deletion of a journal subscription must be made to the Library Director by September 15, of each year.
Deselection Policy
In order to maintain the quality of the collection, the library staff shall weed the collection of materials on a systematic basis. Outdated books, books with multiple copies, books that have not circulated over a period of years and that are not included in standard bibliographies, and books that are in a state of disrepair shall be considered candidates for weeding. In addition, reference books, especially annuals, shall be weeded periodically to ensure currency. Periodicals which have been superseded by other storage formats shall also be subject to weeding.
Donations Policy
No items or collections will be accepted with any special instructions or terms as to their disposition.