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Collection Guidelines - Collection Development
Selection criteria for the acquisition of information resources
The Library aims to provide a high quality, scholarly and relevant collection to support the teaching, learning and research needs of the University. The following general criteria are used when considering the acquisition of any information resource. Additional selection criteria for the acquisition of electronic information resources are listed separately beneath.
Relevance
Information resources are selected by the Library in consultation with University staff and students to support the teaching and research programs of the University.
Quality
Information resources should generally be of high quality. They should offer relevant content, authoritative authorship and reliable and well sourced data. The content should be appropriate for the level of use: undergraduate, postgraduate or research.
Currency
Information resources should generally be up to date and provide current information. Exceptions may include material for research purposes, or where a historical perspective is important.
Format
Information resources are normally preferred in electronic format, provided that reasonable access with regard to technology and licensing can be provided.
Information resources are normally preferred in electronic format due to the advantages of 24x7 access, multiple usage, immediacy and ability to integrate into online course materials. Other formats such as print, DVD or microform are also acquired when appropriate for the intended use or when technical or licensing restrictions restrict access to the electronic format.
Price and cost effectiveness:
The product should be priced appropriately and offer value for money. The Library prefers to participate in cooperative efforts to purchase products through cost-effective national and regional consortia arrangements.
Additional selection criteria for the acquisition of Electronic resources
Technical requirements:
The product should preferably:
- be web based
- be able to be networked
- use standard technologies and readily available plug-ins
- be IP or proxy authenticated rather than password
- provide stable direct linking to databases, journal titles, issues and individual articles
- not require difficult set up or security requirements.
Functionality/Usability:
The product should preferably:
- be easy to use and intuitive.
- provide screen designs and layout aids that facilitate usage
- provide useful help screens and tutorials
- have an acceptable response time.
Licensing:
The license must comply with the University Contracts Policy. It should preferably:
- allow institutional wide access and remote user access
- allow printing, downloading, storing, emailing, caching and interlibrary loans
- allow copies of individual articles to be included in Deakin coursepacks (print and electronic) or stored for e-readings or e-reserve
- protect user confidentiality and privacy
- provide seamless authentication. IP recognition is preferred
- have satisfactory warranty/indemnification clauses
- have satisfactory conditions of renewal/cancellation
- allow walk-in and other user access such as alumni/MIBT.
Publisher/vendor services:
The vendor should preferably:
- provide adequate support materials and training
- provide a trial period on request for evaluation
- resolve access problems promptly
- provide usage statistics on a regular basis
- provide title lists, stating coverage of titles including embargo periods
- provide regular updates of any database changes/additions/deletions.
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