Collection Development
General
Franklin Pierce College Library is committed to the purchase of information resources in all appropriate formats. As responsible stewards of the library collection, Franklin Pierce College librarians monitor collection needs to identify areas of rapid growth or particular weakness with the intent of providing the best possible access to information and service to patrons. The Director of Library Services, who has ultimate responsibility for all purchase decisions, annually allocates the information resources budget for print and electronic resources. Because the College stresses teaching over research, no attempt is made to build a comprehensive research collection. Library collection development is responsive to changing institutional and academic priorities. The curriculum itself is the primary guide to collection needs. A good quality collection is emphasized over quantity.
Suggestions for Acquisition
All members of the Franklin Pierce College community are encouraged to make suggestions for acquisition of library materials. Please send suggestions for particular items or for topics to the collection development librarian or leave a suggestion in the box on the Circulation Desk.
Gifts
Franklin Pierce College Library welcomes donations of materials but reserves the right to decide whether or not to accession donated items depending on their usefulness and relevance to the collection. See the Collection Development policy for more information. Donated items become the property of the Franklin Pierce College Library. All appraisals of the value of a donation are strictly the responsibility of the donor and will not be undertaken by the Library; nor does the Library in any way affirm the donor's valuation. Donated items not chosen for inclusion in the collection will be sold or given away unless the donor has specifically requested to have them returned to his/her possession. Gifts will be acknowledged in writing by the Development Office and usually by the Director of Library Services as well.
Weeding
Rotating portions of the library collection are inventoried annually, and the information gathered is used in collection development decisions. The collection is weeded on a regular basis to remove items that have lost their usefulness. Candidates for withdrawal include outdated materials and items in poor condition.
More Information
For additional information, please contact the collection development librarian or the Director of Library Services or see the full policy on collection development.