Reference Sources: The Library no longer actively collects print Reference materials. However, we may consider electronic materials or “reference” materials that can be housed in the regular circulating collection.
Serials: Because of the ongoing and ever-increasing cost of serials, these publications are chosen with attention to their value to the collection and are reviewed annually for retention decisions. In addition to the general selection criteria, the following are also considered when making the decision to add or withdraw a periodical or serial:
- Faculty recommendations
- Departmental accreditation standards
- Cost and format – particularly examining cost per use statistics
- Indexed in a current print or electronic indexing/abstracting resource
- Availability as part of an aggregated database to which the library subscribes
- Availability in other area libraries
- Scope and depth of coverage
- Availability of pay-per-view article purchasing
The Library no longer actively collects print serials. If the journal requested is available only as part of a larger package, the entire package will be evaluated for added value to the collection and for long term cost implications.
Paperback books: Paperback books will often be selected over hardbound books because of the difference in cost. If particularly heavy use is anticipated, or if the cost difference is minimal, then a hardcover copy may be purchased. Paperbacks which see high use are rebound or replaced as needed.
Textbooks: Textbooks that are required by faculty on their syllabus may or may not be purchased for the collection. We may attempt to get texts for courses if unlimited user e-book licenses are available. If only restricted user licenses are available, a print copy may be purchased for Closed Reserve. Many true textbooks are not available for library purchase. We cannot purchase textbooks which require an electronic code for online access. The Library does not purchase workbooks or consumables.
E-Books: Beyond the aggregator collections of e-books that we subscribe to, current e-book guidelines are to select unlimited user e-book license when possible and cost-effective. For higher-price e-books, or where the publisher imposes different requirements, additional copies, or reduced-user licenses will be obtained. If the e-book license is too restrictive, the print book is obtained. The Collection Services Librarian may investigate other purchasing models if they are useful and cost effective (e.g., demand-driven or evidence-based models).
Newspapers: Newspapers in the collection are selected to provide local, state, and national coverage. Some non-English language newspapers are provided to give students the opportunity to read international news in the language of that country and to have the benefit of a unique perspective. Newspapers are retained for varying lengths of time depending on format, and frequency of publication. Newspapers are generally purchased in electronic format when possible.
Audiovisual Formats: A-V materials are subject to the same selection criteria as other materials added to the collection. Selection includes consideration that the material is accessible for students with disabilities whenever possible.
Music: Because of the nature of printed music, it is expensive to bind, catalog, and store. The Library does not actively collect printed music unless specific pieces are requested by faculty. Gifts of music scores may be added to the collection and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Microform: Microform is no longer purchased for the collection.
Ephemera: Printed items with little or no permanent value such as pamphlets, posters, leaflets, newspaper clippings, etc. are not collected unless they are intended for the Archives.
Databases: Databases that meet the curricular needs of the College are considered by Librarians on a case-by-case basis. Occasionally, the Collection Services Librarian requests free trials of electronic resources. Trial databases are only requested if the Library has a funding available to purchase the resource. Trials are not requested for temporary free access to resources. These trials are available to current students, faculty, and staff of Kalamazoo College. Librarians send out an email to academic departments that may be most interested in a resource and ask for feedback on that resource. Notifications are also posted on the Library blog and Library social media platforms. Based on this feedback, the guidelines above, and the priority level of an electronic resource, the Reference Librarians and the Collection Services Librarian decide whether to subscribe.