How Materials Are Selected For SCC Libraries

Guidelines for Selection and Retention of Library materials

Many factors influence the selection of Library materials. The following factors should be considered when selecting materials:

• Accuracy
• Cited in standard bibliographies, indexes, reading/recommendation lists
• Authority of publisher, producer, writer, compiler
• Current and/or permanent value
• Curriculum needs
• Functionality and technical requirements
• Librarian/faculty recommendation
• Literary or artistic merit
• Price and format
• Representation of all sides of controversial issues
• Reviews from credible sources
• Recommendations from students, faculty, and staff
• SCC Library Mission Statement

Library materials are reviewed & retained if a faculty member justifies the titles for retention or if the title appears in a st&ard core collection, e.g., Books for College Libraries.

Copyright

The Library respects and adheres to the applicable copyright laws of the United States; therefore, unpublished or copied materials in any form will be added to the collection only when copyright compliance can be verified.

Special Materials

Gifts

The Library accepts gifts of money or materials with the understanding that those materials not added to the library's collection will be disposed of in an appropriate manner. Disposal and use may include sale, exchange, or gifts to other libraries. Donors receive an acknowledgement for the gift if it is requested, but the Library does not provide an estimate of value. The Library will not accept donations which are encumbered by restrictions or limitations or which are contrary to the mission of the Library or the college. The Library reserves the right to refuse any gift.

Multiple copies

In order to provide the broadest possible range of materials for the support of the curriculum, the Library will not normally purchase multiple copies of materials, regardless of format. As funds are available and needs dictate, multiple copies are added to the collection.

Textbooks

Textbooks are generally not purchased. Current textbooks received as gifts will be added to the collection, using the Guidelines for Selection and Retention of Library Materials.

Electronic Format

In response to advances in technology and the changing needs of the college community, the Library endeavors to develop collections, resources, and services that meet the information needs of students, faculty and staff, and to a limited extent, the community. It is within this context that the Library offers unlimited World Wide Web (WWW) access to the Internet and its multitude of resources. This access is via the public access catalog, LINCCWeb, and through the Internet terminals located in the Reference Department.

Whenever possible, librarians seek input from faculty regarding the acquisition of, subscription to, and evaluation of, electronic databases. Most databases made available to the College are selected at the state level by committees of the College Center for Library Automation (CCLA).

Did you know?

SCC's Library has one of the most extensive collections of literature and educational materials in Seminole County.