Collection Development Policy

Purpose

This Collection Development Policy (CDP) provides a framework for the development and maintenance of the entire library collection in support of the learning, teaching and research activities of the College. It echoes the mission and strategic objectives of the Library and the College.

The CDP is a dynamic document which will be updated or amended whenever necessary to reflect changes in academic priorities, information formats and user needs.

The objectives of the CDP are to:

• Establish standards for the inclusion and exclusion of library materials. These standards are elaborated in the following sections of Selection of Library Materials, Acquisition Criteria, Gift Donation Policy and Weeding Policy of Library Materials.
• Serve as a day-to-day working tool for the Library staff members in acquiring library materials.
• Facilitate co-operation with Other Libraries (elaborated in the last section) in consortia purchase of library resources and interlibrary lending activities.
• Assist Library staff in planning and administering the Library budget.
• Inform stakeholders of the Library the nature and scope of the collection.

Selection of Library Resources

Selection of library materials is a joint effort of the Library and Academic Units. The Library consults academic staff on subject‑specific needs, new programmes, and major collection initiatives, and welcomes recommendations that support curriculum and learning outcomes. The ultimate responsibility for acquisition directions and policy decisions, including suitability, adequacy and quality of selection, rests with the College Librarian.

The Library employs various collection development tools and services including professional review sources and web-based acquisitions tool provided by some book vendors, to identify and evaluate suitable resources. Academic staff can submit their library recommendations via established communication channels such as the Library User Group or contact the Library directly.

Acquisition Criteria

Subject
Resources are included for building up the Library Collections that caters to the current and emergent needs in learning, teaching and personal development of students and staff in the College, with particular regard to approved and proposed academic programmes.

Language
Chinese and English materials are mainly collected according to the medium of instruction and academic needs of College courses and programmes. Materials in other languages may be collected as appropriate to support teaching, learning, and research.

Format
For monographic materials, serials and other information resources, electronic version is preferred when a title is available both in print and electronic formats, subject to considerations of licensing terms, accessibility, usability long-term availability, and cost-effectiveness.

Print formats may continue to be acquired where they are pedagogically appropriate or operationally necessary, or required to meet specific academic or programme-related needs. Media and other non-print formats may be acquired where they best support teaching, learning, or research needs.

Edition
Normally a monograph in its latest edition will be acquired. Older editions may be acquired only if they are specially required with justification.

Binding
Paperback edition will be purchased whenever possible unless only hardcover edition is available or durability concerns warrant otherwise.

Number of Copies / Access
Normally only one copy will be purchased for each title. Multiple copies may be purchased if they are in heavy demand, required for continuous use or recommended by Academic Staff for course-related purposes.

For electronic resources, the Library will normally provide access under single‑user or limited-user access models. Multi‑user or concurrent‑access licences may be considered where there is demonstrated teaching and learning needs, anticipated usage, licensing conditions, resource or budget availability, to ensure effective and equitable access for students and staff.

Expensive Items
For books, media or electronic resources recommended for purchase, endorsement from School Dean is required for expensive items. Expensive item refers to a book, a media or an electronic title at a cost of HKD10,000 or above. The College Librarian may from time to time review and revise the definition of expensive items and their handling procedures.

All serial titles and databases recommended for library purchase must be endorsed by the School Dean irrespective of the cost.

Replacement
The Library replaces missing or damaged items based on the continued academic value of the item to the collection, evidence of demand for the item and its relevance to current teaching and learning needs. Replacement items may be acquired in print or electronic format as appropriate.