Collection Development Policies

In support of the mission of Barry University, the Monsignor William Barry Memorial Library provides services and resources in support of quality education and the development of learning, teaching, and research. The Monsignor William Barry Memorial Library Collection Development Policy provides the guidelines and principles that govern the selection and maintenance of the library’s collections. The policy is subject to periodic review and revision to meet the changing needs of the Barry University environment. 

The basic philosophy of the Monsignor William Barry Memorial Library is to acquire, organize and disseminate materials needed to support and enhance the instructional programs and educational goals of the University. Materials are chosen for the information, interest and education needs of the University’s educational community. The library strives to include materials that reflect an educational environment that promotes social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.  

Primary responsibility for selecting materials rests with the Subject Librarians who collaborate with academic departments and faculty to provide materials that support the curricular needs of the University. Each academic department is assigned a Professional Librarian to serve as its liaison. Professional Librarians participate in faculty and division meetings fostering close cooperation and collaboration to ensure the viability and strength of the library collections. It is the responsibility of the Electronic Resources Coordinator Librarian to review, analyze and select electronic databases in collaboration with the faculty, librarians, and Library Director. Strong emphasis is placed on electronic databases that provide access to all faculty, students, and staff regardless of location. 

In selecting materials for the library, Subject Librarians consider the relevance and potential needs of Barry University’s instructional programs. Materials must be appropriate for the subject area and content applicable for Undergraduate, Graduate or Doctorate program level. Consideration is given to materials reflecting the depth of the library’s collection, timeliness, accuracy, publication quality, price, overall value, and scarcity of material.  

In addition, the following criteria applies: 

• Textbooks: The library does not purchase textbooks, but faculty members may place their own copies on Course Reserves. 
• Duplicate copies: Duplicate copies will be purchased at the discretion of the Subject Librarian. 
• Databases and Journals: Retention of databases and journals is based upon their relevancy and cost-effectiveness. 
• Faculty Requests for Materials: The library encourages faculty to make requests for materials via the Suggestion Box found under Faculty Services on the library’s webpage or by email to their Subject Liaison. 

The deselection of library materials is an important part of collection management of the library. Regular withdrawal of materials helps maintain a library that provides a relevant and easily accessible collection. The periodic deselection of materials is managed by the Subject Librarians. Materials for withdrawal might include a variety of reasons: 

• Relevancy 
• Currency 
• Physical condition 
• Duplication 
• Newer editions 
• Available electronically 

The library accepts gifts of books and other materials that support the University’s academic and research needs. However, due to space constraints, the Barry Library must be extremely judicious in its acceptance of materials. Prospective donors to the library must fill out a Donor Intention Donation Form prior to coming to the library. Once gifts are accepted, it is the responsibility of the donor to deliver the materials to the library. Gifts delivered directly to the library without the form and communication with a librarian will not be accepted. Once materials are accepted, Monsignor William Barry Memorial Library becomes the owner of the property. The library will handle the donation to the library as it deems appropriate. Gifts donated to the library may be: 

• Added to the collection. 
• Recycled. 
• Sold. 
• Discarded. 
• Donated to other institutions.