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Collection Guidelines - Collection Development
Collection development is a collaborative activity between library staff and academic staff of the University. Requests or suggestions for new resources that support the teaching, learning or research activities within the University are encouraged.
Requesting books
Requests for books should be sent to either your Liaison Librarian or to the book orders team. An online request form is also available.
E-preferred policy
The Library has an e-preferred policy for the acquisition of books. This means that e-books are the preferred format due to their advantages in terms of 24X7 access, multiple simultaneous usage, immediacy and ability to integrate into online course materials. Print books will still be acquired if they meet one of the following criteria:
- if the title is required urgently to meet teaching or research needs and only the print book is available
- if an e-book copy is not available within a reasonable time period or a suitable e-book alternate title cannot be found
- titles that are prescribed or recommended reading for units (the print ordering formula will be reduced when an e-book is available)
- when the content is image rich and the image quality is not adequate for teaching, learning or research needs eg. visual arts titles
- when specific teaching, learning or research reasons exist for obtaining the print format
- when the license or conditions of use of the e-book do not allow the book to be used effectively to meet teaching, learning or research needs
- if there are technical issues that do not allow adequate or satisfactory usage
- rare or special collection items where the physical object is required
Reading List Ordering Guideline
The ordering of reading list resources to support teaching units or courses is treated as a high priority by the Library. All unit chairs should send their lists of prescribed and recommended readings to your Liaison Librarian or book.orders@deakin.edu.au. Reading lists for all units are checked each trimester and orders are placed according to the Reading List Ordering Guideline that takes into account:
- the number of enrolments at each campus where the unit is taught
- whether the title is a prescribed or recommended text
- whether the title is available as an e-book
- the number of titles on the reading list
The Library uses the Reading List Ordering Guideline to provide appropriate and sufficient access to reading list resources. The Library does not normally provide class sets of textbooks: students are normally expected to purchase prescribed textbooks but the Library does provide copies based on the Reading List Ordering Guideline. Reading list e-books and e-textbooks are actively acquired if they can be made available through the Library Catalogue as they provide access for a large number of students and are available 24X7.
Requesting journals and databases
Requests for journals or electronic databases should be sent to either your Liaison Librarian or to serial.orders@deakin.edu.au.
An online request form is also available:
New Journal or Database Request form
Requests for the purchase of new serial material are reviewed by the Library Manager for each Faculty. All purchase recommendations are then considered by the Library Collection Advisory Group. Purchase decisions are made according to priority and budget availability.
E-preferred policy
The Library’s policy is to purchase the electronic format of new journals rather than print if available. The exceptions to this are identified in:
Guidelines for maintaining print journal subscriptions when electronic access is available
Trial databases
The Library encourages trials of new databases or eresources to allow students and staff the opportunity to evaluate their suitability and use. Feedback from trials is used to inform possible purchase decisions.
Trials of new electronic resources can be arranged by contacting your Liaison Librarian or filling in the Request a Database or Electronic Resource Trial Form.
Access to the trial resources is available via the new resources and trial databases link on the Library Website. At the end of each trial it is important that a full evaluation of the resource is made and sent to serial.orders@deakin.edu.au.
If you have further queries regarding requesting or trialling a new journal or database please contact your Liaison Librarian or Susanne Glynn, Electronic Resources Librarian.
Licenses and Copyright
Information resources provided by Deakin University Library are subject to license and copyright law and all users are legally obliged to comply. All use of electronic resources subscribed to by Deakin University Library is for educational, research or personal use only. Information must not be used for commercial purposes or re-sold in any way. Any copyright resides with the original author or publisher.
User rights for licensed resources are documented in resource licensing records and communicated via the library catalogue. License information can be found under 'more info' on the full item display for books, journals and videos, and under 'License' when viewing database records.
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