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