Introduction | Collecting Guidelines | Format Guidelines | Cooperation | Subject List and Levels | Electronic Resources | Gift Policy | Evaluation and Preservation

Collection Evaluation

Collection Maintenance

Decisions regarding the treatment of damaged or deteriorating materials are based on guidelines that are consistent with the general collection development policy. These include recorded use, cost to replace or repair, and the item's relative importance to the collection. Lost items are not automatically replaced, but evaluated according to the above-mentioned criteria.

Weeding

Weeding of the Library's collections is a continuous process of Collection Development. As new editions are received, previous editions are evaluated for use and condition and withdrawn or transferred to other collections as deemed necessary.

Collection Preservation

Preservation encompasses the broad range of activities intended to extend the life of library materials.

Physical Conditions

The Library strives to maintain the physical integrity of its collection through conservation measures which include monitoring temperature, humidity, and dust levels. Rare books and items are housed in a secure, controlled environment.

Handling

The Library promotes patron and staff awareness of its preservation efforts through staff training regarding the proper handling of library materials. Also, staff is encouraged to send to the Collection Development department materials that are damaged or deteriorating.

Acid-free Paper

In accordance with its preservation efforts, the Library encourages acquiring, whenever possible, items that are published on acid-free paper.

Disaster Preparedness

The Library has established an emergency preparedness plan which details action needed to protect or conserve the collection.

page updated on 10.11.2006