Collection Development Procedures

Library Material Selected

Titles are selected for appropriateness of content, in the most effective and efficient format for dissemination of that content. For print material, hardbound books are preferred. Paperbacks are ordered only if the hardbound is not available. Textbooks are not routinely purchased, nor solution manuals or consumable (workbooks, lab manuals, etc.) materials. The library will order up to a maximum of four copies of a work.

Requesting and Approval

Any Texas State faculty, staff, or student, and library patrons not part of the Texas State community may recommend or request titles to be purchased for the Alkek Library collections. Subject Librarians bear the responsibility of accepting or rejecting those requests. If the librarian has questions concerning a request, she/he should consult the Collection Development Librarian or the Head Acquisitions Librarian.

After a request is submitted to Collection Development, if there is a question about the request, Collection Development staff will consult with the designated subject librarian for that academic department or the Collection Development Librarian. If faculty must be consulted, the subject librarian or the Collection Development Librarian will do so.

Before Submitting a Request

  • Check the library catalog to see if the library already owns the material, or if there is a copy "on order" or "in process."
  • Ensure each request contains as complete information as possible for the title, i.e. price, year, publisher, source, ISBN.
  • Submit requests using the Order Request Form or contact the subject librarian directly.
  • Librarians may submit selections via GOBI3.

Media

Media include, but are not limited to, CD, DVD, and streaming video/audio. Alkek Library does not purchase material in formats that are not supported by the equipment in the library. Public Performance Rights is preferred when available and financially feasible.

Subscriptions and Standing Orders

Decisions about new subscriptions are made in the relevant subject group, Arts & Humanities, Social & Behavioral Sciences, and STEM + Health.