Building the General Collections
Selection of Materials
The collections of the Libraries represent a vast variety of formats and languages, including books, journals, newspapers, manuscripts, audio-visual materials, and information resources in electronic format. Collection Managers with designated subject responsibilities select these materials to provide direct support for the instructional and research programs of the university.
Areas of Activity
- Identify and select materials, regardless of format to be purchased for the library's collection.
- Develop and maintain close working relationships with the campus faculty.
- Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of subject collections systematically in order to provide written assessments of library holdings to support the instructional and research programs of the campus.
- Formulate and implement collection development policies.
- Review incoming materials from all sources, including approval plans and gifts and exchange.
- Participate in the solicitation of gift materials.
- Prepare and monitor the materials budget for the UM Libraries.
How to request books and journals
The Libraries welcome suggestions and recommendations for new library materials. Please contact the appropriate Collection Manager, complete the online Suggestion of a Title for Purchase, or fill out a recommendation form at the Reference/Information Desk in any of the Libraries.
Issues in Collection Management
Crisis in Scholarly Communication
Electronic Access to Scholarly Material
Collection Development Statements and Policies
Electronic Journal Subscriptions and Off-Site Shelving (2006)
Off Site Shelving Guidelines (2006)
Policy on Collecting only Electronic Versions of Journals (2002)
Guidelines for Selection of Electronic Publications (2001)
Reference Materials (1999)
Electronic Resources (1999)
