Summary
At the University of North Texas Libraries, we choose resources to support students and professors with their studies and research so that they have what they need to learn, explore new ideas, and enhance their wellbeing. This policy explains what we acquire, how we make decisions, and how we remove things from the library when necessary.
Scope
This policy is the general collections and resources at the University of North Texas Libraries. Special collections have their own policies – Music, Media, Government Documents, Digital Collections, and Special Collections.
Responsibility for Choosing
Ultimate responsibility for the library resources rests with the University Librarian and Vice Provost and the Collection Development Department overseeing collection activities. Faculty, students, and subject librarians may recommend resources to support the teaching and research activities of the University.
Guidelines for Choosing Resources
We decide what to buy based on if the material relates curriculum at UNT, will last a long time, and is accessible to all UNT students, faculty, and staff. We use data and feedback evidence to strengthen our collection and determine if we are spending our money responsibly. Exceptions are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Collection Development Department.
Guidelines for Online Resources
When we pick online resources, we strive to ensure:
- The resources can be accessed off-campus
- The resources are easy to use
- The resources are accessible by everyone
- That the contract we have with the company follows state laws as well as UNT’s and the Libraries’ rules and regulations
Textbooks
UNT Libraries will not purchase or maintain a collection of currently adopted textbooks for coursework. Requests for purchases of textbooks will be considered on a case-by-case basis; textbooks must have value beyond that of a textbook to be considered for inclusion.
Taking Care of the Library Collection
Sometimes the library must remove items from the collection. Decisions are made by Collection Development with input from subject librarians. Library materials may be disposed of according to Texas Government Code Sec. 2175.304 and UNT Policy on Asset Management. Materials that cannot be stored remotely may be discarded with approval from the Head of Collection Development.
Fund Allocations
The Libraries’ materials budget is finalized by the Dean of Libraries based on the recommendations of Collection Management. Allocations are determined by the Head of Collection Development.
Dates
- Approved: 06/25/12
- Revised: 01/17; 02/19; 06/21; 5/24