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Stevenson University Collection Development Policy

This policy articulates the guidelines used for materials purchase at Stevenson University. It was last updated in Fall 2010.

Subject Parameters

The University Catalog guides selection decisions based on subject.  The following subjects are major fields of study at Stevenson University and as such will receive priority in the selection process (not in order of importance):  Accounting; Applied Mathematics; Biology; Biotechnology; Business Administration; Business Communication; Business Information Systems; Chemistry; Computer Information Systems; Criminal Justice; Early Childhood Education: Fashion Design; Fashion Merchandising; Liberal Arts & Technology; Elementary Education: Liberal Arts & Technology; English Language and Literature; Film, Video, & Theatre; Human Services; Interdisciplinary Studies; Medical Technology; Middle School Education: Liberal Arts & Technology; Nursing; Paralegal Studies; Psychology; Public History; and Visual Communication Design.

The following subjects are minor fields of study at Stevenson University.  While the Library will support these curricula, they will not receive the same priority as major subject areas: Art, Economics, History, Information Systems, Legal Studies, Management, Marketing, Mathematics, Philosophy, Religion, Sociology, and Theatre. 

Materials on subjects beyond those listed above may be selected if the selector decides that those materials enrich the collection as a whole.

Processes for Selection

The following guidelines are based on the selection of paper, monographic materials.  Most apply to selection of electronic materials, serials, and media as well.  Procedures and criteria for those materials will be described below.

The decisions made by University personnel, primarily within the context of the subject parameters listed above, drive the selection process.

1.      The University President or other Administration may request a title for the collection.

2.      Faculty may request a title for reserves, research, or for general use. 

3.      Librarians may select material to support major or minor fields of study.

4.      Librarians may select material to support minor fields of study.

5.      Librarians may select non-subject specific material of scholarly merit.

6.      Librarians may select titles for recreational use by all members of the University community.