Selection and Acquisition Policy

Will W. Alexander Library’s Selection and Acquisition Policy provides a structured approach to curating and maintaining a diverse, high-quality collection that supports the institution’s mission of fostering intellectual growth, critical thinking, and academic success. This policy ensures that materials are selected strategically, funds are allocated effectively, and acquisitions align with the evolving needs of students, faculty, and researchers.

Selection Principles

The selection of library materials for the Will W. Alexander Library is guided by the following criteria to ensure a well-rounded and academically enriching collection:

• Relevance – Supports the university’s curriculum, research initiatives, and interdisciplinary studies.
• Authority & Credibility – Authored by recognized experts, scholars, or reputable publishers.
• Diversity & Inclusion – Represents a range of perspectives, cultures, and global viewpoints.
• Timeliness – Maintains up-to-date and accurate information relevant to current scholarship.
• Accessibility & Format – Includes print, digital, audiovisual, and open-access materials to meet diverse learning and research needs.

Acquisition Process

Will W. Alexander Library follows a structured process for acquiring materials:

1. Needs Assessment – Collection gaps are identified through faculty recommendations, student input, circulation data, and curriculum analysis.
2. Selection & Review – Librarians and faculty liaisons evaluate potential acquisitions based on selection criteria.
3. Committee Oversight – The Library Council, composed of university librarian, faculty representatives, and administrators, meets at least once a semester to review selection priorities and approve major acquisitions.
4. Funding & Budget Allocation – Resources are acquired within the approved budget, ensuring a balance across disciplines and emerging research areas.
5. Procurement & Processing – Once approved, materials are acquired through vendors, publishers, or digital platforms, cataloged, and made available for use.

Special Collections & Emerging Research Support

The library is committed to supporting specialized and emerging research fields through:

• Expansion of digital resources
• Archival and special collections development, preserving university history and unique scholarly contributions.

Evaluation & Continuous Improvement

To maintain a dynamic and relevant collection, the library:

• Conducts an annual review of acquisitions to assess alignment with curriculum needs and research trends.
• Implements a weeding process every three years to remove outdated, irrelevant, or underutilized materials.
• Gathers feedback through faculty and student surveys to enhance the selection process annually.

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