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Collection Development Policy

Introduction

The primary goal of collection development for the Pepperdine Libraries is to acquire and make available those information resources and tools which are needed to support the instructional programs of the University. Towards this goal, Pepperdine librarians work in partnership with the faculty to address the instructional and research needs of Pepperdine students, faculty, and the academic community. The Pepperdine Libraries Collection Development Policy establishes both priorities for selection and criteria for withdrawal of resources in the Libraries' collection.

Secondary goals of the collection development program are to acquire and make available those materials which are:

  • needed for research by faculty and/or administrators or are of long-term value to the University
  • in general subject areas not included in the curriculum of the University.

A collection development policy is a statement of guidelines for library staff members to follow when selecting, acquiring, and building library collections. It reflects the needs of faculty members and students. It identifies the programs supported by each collection, the collecting levels, and the collecting goals. This policy is evaluated and changed as University programs and information needs change.

Pepperdine University Mission Statement

Pepperdine is a Christian university committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership.

Pepperdine Libraries Mission Statement

Pepperdine Libraries uphold the University mission by providing faculty, students, staff and community members with the best possible access to knowledge. We are committed to achieving this by building strong collections and patron services that will promote teaching excellence, classroom and lifelong learning, and outstanding scholarship.

University and Community Profile

Pepperdine is a private, medium-sized university, religiously affiliated with the Churches of Christ. Pepperdine is comprised of Seaver College, which offers a liberal arts undergraduate program, the Graziadio Business School, the Graduate School of Education and Psychology, the Caruso School of Law, and the School of Public Policy. Courses are taught in Malibu and at graduate campuses across Southern California, and at international campuses in Germany, England, Italy, Switzerland, and Argentina. Pepperdine students come from all fifty states and more than seventy nations. The students represent a wide variety of religious, cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The University embraces this diversity, which enriches the educational process. Students of all ages are enrolled, reflecting the University's commitment to lifelong learning.

Definition of Collection Development

Collection development is defined as the process of systematically building and maintaining collections of library materials to serve the needs of library users. This process includes determining collection needs; maintaining liaisons with faculty; selecting materials in all formats, including print and electronic materials; writing and coordinating selection policies; analyzing collections; managing funds; conducting maintenance activities such as deselection and preservation; and planning for resource sharing.

Responsibility for Library Collection Development

Library liaisons are responsible for developing collections in assigned subject areas. They meet with faculty members from corresponding academic divisions each semester and maintain an active involvement with faculty and students throughout the year. They write collection development policies, update approval plan profiles, and monitor fund accounts. They review approval books and gift books regularly, and make collection maintenance decisions to deselect, bind, or replace items. They read publishers' catalogs and other selection tools, as well as keep current in their subject areas, and bring relevant recently published materials to the attention of library users. The Associate University Librarian for Collections and Technical Services oversees and coordinates all collection development activities.

Faculty Acquisition Requests

Faculty members interested in the Libraries purchasing a book or journal should visit our Library Acquisitions Requests page.