Library collection policies

The University of Melbourne Collection Policy 2006

5. Collection Development Process

• Materials are acquired through individual purchase, approval plans, standing orders, deposit and donation. Cooperative purchases through consortial arrangements are increasingly common for the acquisition of electronic resources.
• Collection development is the responsibility of the Library Resources and Services Advisory Group, the Manager, Information Access and a team of information specialists.  Budget monitoring is undertaken by liaison staff and the Materials Vote and Access Group.
• Selection is undertaken principally by academic staff and information liaison specialists to ensure that material is relevant to the University’s learning and research needs.  New title information is provided from a number of sources including library supplier new title services. 
• Requests for new journal subscriptions generally emanate from academic staff.  Due to the fiscal need to restrain ongoing commitments, Information Services negotiates with the faculty before new journal titles can be purchased to ensure that there are uncommitted funds available.
• The first priority for the acquisitions budget is the provision of access to texts prescribed for courses offered by the university.  Arrangements are in place to ensure reading list material is comprehensively acquired in a timely fashion. Copies are supplied according to a formula for multiple copies.  Electronic texts are purchased if available in acceptable models of use and formats.

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