The purpose of XJTLU Library’s collection is to develop, manage and preserve collections which fit the fast development of the university, while aiming to establish unique and distinctive collections in line wi-th XJTLU key research themes.
The library strives to create and maintain a broad collection that reflects this diversity and encompasses both popular works and works of lasting value.
The collection is:
Available:
from all library locations and online 24/7
using current communication and mobile technologies
in many formats, including digital
because it is well organized and accessible
via speedy and efficient document delivery
Enriched:
by the involvement of the diverse users we serve
by the dedicated, careful work of our staff
by the preservation of significant and unique collections
Flexible and intentional:
responsive to new-established academic departments
enabled for the patrons and applications of new technologies
guided by the libraries goals and priorities, as well as its limitations
provides efficiency and good value for the people we serve
fresh and weeded regularly, using a plan
Collection Development
Selection Responsibility
The University Librarian is administrative head of the Library, the University Librarian, monitors expenditures for Library materials, renders decisions on costly or questionable items, and is the final authority for all selection and purchasing decisions. The Acquisition office is generally responsible for selecting and maintaining the print collections, e-books, and the Academic liaison and reference librarians are generally responsible for selecting and maintaining the database and e-periodicals collection. An annual inventory is supervised by the Director of Library Resource Construction Committee with participation by the Library staff.
The Library accepts recommendations for library materials from any user; however, ultimate responsibility for the overall quality and balance of the Library collection rests with the professional librarians.
Faculty members are especially encouraged to request Library materials to support their instructional needs, to recommend general items for the Library’s consideration, and to incorporate Library materials and online resources into their courses.
The Library will routinely gather statistics to determine user characteristics, expectations and needs, and apply the latest tools and innovations to our collection development practices, maintaining the depth and diversity of our collections. Anticipating the patrons’ interests and needs, observing their responses to innovations, and acting quickly in response to these needs will serve as the underlying framework for material selections and practices.
Selection Criteria
General criteria for selecting material include:
suitability
timeliness or permanence
relevance of the subject matter
quality of the writing/production
readability and popular appeal
authoritativeness
reputation and significance of the creator(s)
format
price
Material selectors work with vendors and publishers to purchase new publications using a variety of methods. They consult professional review sources, such as Library Journal, Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, Choice and use numerous internet-based sources. Selection practices also rely on the subject expertise of liaison librarians, suggestions from library users, promotions in book fairs, media and standard bibliographies. Selection methods are constantly evolving and vary for different types of materials.
Formats collected include print (including large print), CDs, DVDs, audio books, research database, magazines, newspapers, maps. An increasing number of materials are purchased in digital format, including books and periodicals, which are delivered via download or are accessible through the library website. All formats are cataloged and can be found in the library’s catalog.
While most materials are acquired in English or Chinese, the Library purchases some classics and classical works in their original languages.