Purpose

These guidelines are intended to inform all users about the selection of materials by the Library. The Library strives to build a collection of excellent resources that balances the needs of the University community with the finite and fluctuating nature of our fiscal resources.

Scope

These guidelines apply to all materials owned by and housed in the Library, and electronic resources to which the Library subscribes/provides access. It covers all formats (print, electronic, microform, and audio-visual) in the collections of the James A. Gibson Library, the Map, Data, & GIS Library, Archives & Special Collections, and the Burlington campus.

Languages

While the collection is predominantly English, the library will acquire material in other languages to support curricula or the specific needs of academic departments.

Multiple Copies

In general, the Library does not purchase multiple copies.

Donations

Please refer to the Brock University Library’s Donations Policy for details.

Copyright

Please refer to Brock University’s Copyright webpage for details.

Open Access

The Library is committed to the widest possible dissemination of scholarly knowledge. To that end, and as funds permit, the Library will make efforts to support a variety of open access projects.

Selection Process

Librarians and faculty cooperate to develop the Library’s collection. Recommendations for the purchase of materials are accepted from faculty, staff and student. Final responsibility for the selection of library resources lies with our Collections Librarians.

Decisions regarding acquisition of all resources are based on the priorities and criteria stated above.

Requests for new electronic resources (excluding individually purchased ebooks) require a completed Information Resource evaluation form. The Collections Librarians assess these requests based on criteria listed above, as well as the following:

1. Purpose

• Support of academic curriculum
• Support of general library use
• Support of the research interests of faculty and students
• Support of the collection development process
• Cross-disciplinary usefulness.

2. Availability

The Library takes into account the availability of materials at other Ontario libraries, in electronic full text databases, etc.

3. Budget considerations

The Library applies consistent practices and priorities in the expenditure of its resources through analysis of use, demand, relevancy and format.

Type of Material

Ebooks

The Library purchases titles via all platforms and publisher direct. We strive to purchase unlimited access whenever necessary. Access to Ebooks is provided via multiple platforms. The Library strives to provide access to electronic collections; however, timely provision of relevant content is the first consideration. Multiple user access to a title is preferred, although we do not eliminate single user access titles from the selection process. Platforms used must be AODA-compliant.

Out-of-Print (O/P)

When required the Library will attempt to find used or out-of-print books if new books are not available.

Textbooks

Books used as textbooks for courses are not typically acquired for the collection; the decision to purchase rests with individual Collections Librarians. Oftentimes, publishers do not offer textbooks to libraries for purchase. Students are expected to purchase their own copies of textbooks listed in course outlines.

Serials and Electronic Resources

“Serials” includes: print and online journal subscriptions and full-text electronic databases. Decisions to add new resources are made on an individual basis and submitted to the Collections Librarians. Access to a wide number of regional, national and international newspapers are available full-text through several online databases and indexes.

Back files of periodicals are considered on a title-by-title basis and as funds become available.

Sound and Video Resources

Physical media is purchased on a title-by-title basis.

Online streaming is either available via existing library subscriptions, or is sought on a title-by-title basis.

Format of Materials

Materials may be available in more than one format (e.g. print, electronic, and audio). Factors taken into consideration in deciding which format will be purchased and / or retained are:

• amount of use/demand
• ease of use
• cost
• accessibility
• preservation
• illustrative and colour content of original
• availability to remote/simultaneous users
• frequency of updating.

Other Materials

Theses and Dissertations

Most Brock University graduate theses can be found online via the Brock University Digital Repository. For more information about finding theses, including print and those produced outside of Brock, please read the Theses and Dissertations Guide.

Reference

In general, electronic reference material is the preferred format.

Government Documents

Please refer to the Government and Legal Information webpage for more information.

Microforms

Microfilm and microfiche are purchased if the material is only available in those formats.

Other Collections

Archives & Special Collections

Please refer to the Archives & Special Collections webpage for more information.

Map, Data and GIS Collection

Please refer to the Map, Data & GIS Library’s webpage for more information.

Professional and Children’s Education Collection

The Library’s Professional and Children’s Education Collection includes a variety of children’s literature, such as picture books, short stories, poetry, fairy tales, graphic novels, and young adult novels. Additionally, it provides resources that support the K-12 curriculum across all subject areas taught in Ontario.

The primary language for materials in this collection is English, though curriculum materials for teaching French and Indigenous and foreign languages at the elementary and secondary levels are included.

 Course Readings (Reserve Collection)

The Reserve Collection is comprised of high-demand materials selected by instructors to support current courses and other heavily used items on short-term loan. The use of the Library’s Reserve Collection must not substitute for the purchase of books, course packs or other published materials.

Digital Repository

The Digital Repository contains a collection of unique items created by members of the Brock University community, which includes:

• Major research papers
• Theses
• Publications and manuscripts
• Environmental Sustainability Research Centre materials
• Archives & Special Collections.

Popular Reading Collection

The Library maintains a small circulating collection of popular reading material. It is updated frequently and intended for leisure reading.

Interlibrary Loans

Through its interlibrary loan service, the Library provides access to resources not currently owned by the Library.

Weeding

These guidelines exist to ensure that Brock University Library’s collections are managed in a way that ensures effective support for the University’s current teaching and research activities, and maximizes effective use of the Library’s physical facilities. Evidence-based weeding / de-selection is an essential component of the Library’s collection management responsibilities.

Weeding helps to:

• ensure that the overall collection is relevant and useful to users
• eliminate outdated and worn-out materials
• maximize shelf and floor space
• make materials easier to find.

Weeding is done: 

• on a day-to-day basis, as staff handle/process materials 
• annually in the summer 
• on a project basis, as needed.