Selection Policy

At the beginning of each academic year, the Library Committee of Carson-Newman College meets to allocate the library materials budget among the academic departments. An allocation formula was developed in 1984 using such variables as number of faculty and students in the department, recorded use of library books by the department and average cost of books in the disciplines. The formula is brought up-to-date every two years.

Faculty members are urged to participate actively in the book selection process through use of Choice cards that are distributed to the departments regularly, and by monitoring computer-produced monthly status reports of the departmental allocations, which show books received, books on order, and the balance of funds to be spent during the remainder of the year.

While most books and media materials are acquired per request of faculty, the librarians also participate in selection of reference materials and in areas not covered by the academic departments. Library liaisons will assist with ensuring that the collection is comprehensive and balanced with the curriculum. The Director of Library Services is ultimately responsible for all materials selected and acquired. The following selection criteria guide the librarians in their selection activity:*

(1) Possess elements of quality:

a. Relevancy of permanent value in reference and research
b. Accuracy
c. Authoritativeness
d. Format and artistic quality

(2) Fulfill needs of the college based on:

a. Curriculum and faculty requirements
b. Administration and staff requirements
c. Student and faculty interests
d. Budget restrictions
e. Maintenance of a balanced collection.

(3) Satisfy the Library's mission statement

In addition, the Library in general subscribes to the "Library Bill of Rights" statement of the American Library Association and “The Freedom to Read" statement of the American Library Association and the American Book Publishers' Council.

* Ideas from: Library Acquisition Policies and Procedures Phoenix: Oryx Press, 1977.
Boyer. Calvin J., and Nancy Baton. Book Selection Policies in American Libraries. Austin: Armadillo Press. 1973

Selection & Gift Policy:
Developed: September 11, 1989 Library Staff
Approved: September 28, 1989
Reviewed and modified: January 21, 1998 Library Personnel
Reviewed and approved: April 16, 1998 Library Committee
Updated: March 3, 2003 Library Personnel