BCCPA Collection Development Policies
Collection maintenance is an ongoing part of the conscientious evaluation of collections by professional librarians and is undertaken with as much care and consistency as the initial selection of materials. Collection maintenance helps to keep the collections current, responsive, and useful to the needs of the community.
Selection Criteria
- suitability of physical form for library use
- availability of materials at other libraries
- availability of materials online
- authority and purpose of the author
- budget, cost and space considerations
- accuracy and currency of information
- suitability for meeting the needs of the community
Management of Withdrawn Material
When library materials no longer meet the selection criteria for inclusion in the collections the following options are available:
- Community redistribution to public-benefit organizations
- Offer to other libraries
- Refer last copies to subject specialists
- Recycle damaged materials
- Discard government property in compliance with federal, provincial and local laws
Electronic Resources Collection
Electronic resources consist of content that is stored and displayed digitally and accessed via computers and other electronic devices. These resources are often referred to as databases, or as online or digital content, or media.
With our electronic collection, the Library aims to extend access to library information regardless of the location of the user. Patrons can access these collections within or beyond the actual physical facilities of the Library. The electronic format enables increased usability of library resources, allowing expanded searching and interactivity. This format also increases the depth and breadth of the collection system-wide, alleviating the need to purchase multiple copies of some print resources. Some electronic resources are shared with other library systems.
Requesting Materials
If you want to suggest a title that the Library does not have, you may suggest books or other library materials and resources by using the online form or by phoning the library. The librarian may be able to help you find either the exact title that you want or related titles. The Library welcomes your suggestions and they are given serious consideration. We encourage you to check the catalog periodically. Inter-library loan may be the quickest way to obtain the books you want. Selection criteria are used by library staff when evaluating requests for new materials.
Responsibility for Selection
Final responsibility and authority for selection rests with the Resource Network Coordinator or designee, who operates within the framework of the policies adopted by the BC Crime Prevention Association. |
