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Selection criteria for acquisition

We provide a high quality collection of scholarly information resources. Acquisition of resources is based on the following selection criteria.

Relevance

  • supports the teaching, learning and research needs of the University
  • selected in consultation with University staff and students

Quality

  • offer authoritative authorship
  • reliable and well sourced data
  • appropriate for the level of use; undergraduate, postgraduate or research

Currency

  • up to date and provide current information
  • exceptions may include material for research purposes, or where a historical perspective is important

Accessibility

  • electronic format is preferred, where reasonable access to technology and licensing can be provided
  • other formats such as print, DVD or microform may also be acquired when they are more appropriate for the intended use
  • available through the Library Catalogue. Interlibrary loan or faculty funds are normally used for personal copies
  • designed to provide accessibility for people with a disability

Usability

  • be user-friendly and suitable for the intended purpose

Manageability

  • able to be curated and managed to ensure ready access
  • some resources may be excluded from acquisition if they require highly complex installation or are prone to malfunction, misuse or license breach

Pricing and procurement

  • priced appropriately and offers value for money
  • complies with the University Procurement Policy
  • acquired via most effective vendor or consortia arrangements

Additional considerations for electronic resources

Technical requirements

  • preferably web based and easily accessible
  • use IP or proxy authentication, rather than passwords
  • use standard technologies
  • be easy to install, set up, access and manage
  • provide stable links and have a reasonable response time.

Functionality and usability

  • easy to use, and include help screens and tutorials
  • well designed
  • provide good navigation
  • have stable links.

Licensing

  • license must comply with the University Contracts Policy
  • preferably allow institution wide, and remote access
  • the Library does not acquire personal copies for individual use that do not become part of the Library Collection (e.g. individually licensed standards, access restricted to a single or limited nominated users)
  • resource access is not limited to a specific cohort of users. This includes resources where access is restricted to single or a limited number of users or units, faculties or departments
  • allow satisfactory printing and downloading
  • meet teaching, learning and research needs.

Publisher and vendor services

  • should preferably provide a free trial and evaluation period
  • provide support materials and training
  • resolve access problems promptly
  • provide regular usage statistics
  • notify promptly of any changes or updates
  • provide title lists and MARC records

Contact us

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