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C. Criteria for Physical Resources
- Books are collected in clothbound editions unless cost is significantly higher than a paper edition. Books that must be often updated (medical/nursing, computer topics, etc.) will be bought in paperback. Paperbacks will also be bought for rapidly changing topics or in the interest of economy.
- Reference materials include, but are not limited to, encyclopedias, dictionaries, maps, atlases, statistical compilations, and handbooks. Some major reference tools for those subject areas that may not currently occupy a place in the curriculum are included in the collection to introduce and define these subjects. The collection is developed with the idea that reference materials are consulted for informational purposes and will not be read in their entirety. Reference materials do not circulate. Preference will be given to electronic format over print when available through a platform already accessible through the library. This preference addresses changing usage models and better meets the needs of distance learners and all remote users.
- Textbooks may be added to our library collections as need, budget, and availability permit. Current textbooks may be purchased as eBooks when they are available in multi-user formats, primarily for professors/courses that work with the library's OER initiatives. Print editions of current textbooks are held in the library's Reserves collections and are usually loaned to the library by professors/departments. Textbooks in our Reserve collections are usually unavailable for general circulation, though previous editions may be added to our circulating collections for general use.
- Leisure (incl. Graphic Novels) materials are made up of a rotating group of over 300 popular fiction and nonfiction titles that the library rents with a choice to buy. The selection is done on a rotating basis by the librarians based on best seller lists, staff recommendations and patron requests. This is a way to provide popular reading titles that may not be proper for the permanent collection. New titles arrive shelf‐ready monthly and are added to the catalog with an abbreviated record. The collection is evaluated periodically to find titles to be kept in the library’s permanent collections based on circulation statistics and collection development guidelines. Graphic novels are a section of the leisure collection consisting of current and historically significant graphic novels, ranging from Greek classics in graphic form to modern, popular superheroes.
- Study Guides for standardized tests such as the ACT, GRED, SAT, PERT, TOEFL and ASVAB will be bought on a limited basis. Recent editions of these guides may be placed in the Reserve collection.
- Standing Orders are created for materials such as annuals, almanacs, and resources which have been recognized to be of lasting value to the collection and which require new editions on a regular basis. The standing order renewals are to be reviewed annually for any additions or deletions.
- Children’s books are acquired to support the Early Childhood program, education students, and reading resources for faculty, staff, and student families. Books bought include award winners such as the Caldecott Medal, Newbery Medal, Pura Belpre Medal, Coretta Scott King Award, and others.
- Foreign Language Materials will consist of material bought to support those courses formally taught by the College, except for foreign language dictionaries.
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- Adult New Reader Collection includes a variety of materials designed to meet the needs of newly literate adults and those learning English as a second language. Popular materials are collected at a range of levels of difficulty and are intended to encourage reading and foster language development. Although not a primary focus, some instructional materials and level-appropriate reference sources (e.g., dictionaries) are collected. Multiple copies may be bought for titles in this collection.
- Periodicals-Magazines for general leisure reading enjoyment that would be of interest to the students, faculty and staff of SSC will be supported. This collection should be of the broadest scope possible given the limited shelf size and should reflect a balance of views. The library will also support a small collection of journals and trade publications that directly support the curriculum and are not available from the college databases that are evaluated for renewal on an annual basis. A backfile of one year will be kept. Print subscriptions may be dropped if the library begins subscribing to the same title in electronic format. Newspapers are acquired on a highly selective basis. Emphasis is placed on local newspapers and selected few major U.S. newspapers. International newspapers are not acquired. A small backfile of newspapers is held; greater emphasis is placed on electronic access to newspapers through our online, subscription databases.
- Media such as movie and documentary DVDs and music CDs are bought primarily to support the curriculum. A limited number of entertainment videos will be bought. Selection criteria include enduring value, artistic or cultural merit, quality of technical production and number of awards won. Our focus is on academic rather than recreational use, although these two may overlap. Media will be withdrawn if it has not been used within 5 years. The Sanford/Lake Mary campus Library has a small collection of leisure and educational books on CD’s that will be supported but not expanded, to be reviewed annually.