Acquisitions Policy
Scope
Each year the University allocates funding to the Library which is responsible for reconciling the demand for resources from across the academic community in accordance with the Collections Development and Reading List Policies, budget constraints, access requirements, and the University’s legal, contractual and licensing obligations. To achieve this the Library will seek to apply the following basic principles when acquiring resources.
Audio-Visual
The Library will seek to acquire resources in a wide range of formats including, but not restricted to, images, computer games, DVDs and off-air recordings.
Books
Essential Reading will be purchased at a ratio of 1 print item to 15 students, up to a maximum of 10 copies per unit or a 3 user licence electronic licence (where available). These limits may be varied on request and at the discretion of the Library.
Recommended Reading will be purchased at the ratio of 1 print item or a single user licence (where available) per reading list. This may be varied on request and at the discretion of the Library.
In order to optimise availability and circulation, print items will be allocated to the appropriate campus and assigned a loan type by the Library.
Paperbacks will be purchased in preference to hardbacks.
Latest editions will be purchased unless specifically requested. Out of print material will only be sourced on request and at the discretion of the Library.
Electronic books will be purchased alongside print books based on academic need, availability, licensing and cost at the discretion of the Library.
Databases
The Library reviews database subscriptions annually in accordance the University’s budget planning cycle therefore requests for new subscriptions must be made before the end of January for use in the following academic year.
Journals
The Library reviews journal subscriptions annually in accordance with the University’s budget planning cycle therefore requests for new subscriptions must be made before the end of January for use in the following academic year. Wherever possible electronic journals will be acquired in preference to print.
External Collections
Where it is not possible to acquire resources the Library provides several services which provide the academic community with access to a wide range of external collections and resources.
Document Supply
Subject to availability resources can be sources from the British Library and other external libraries.
Using Other Libraries
UCA students and staff can request visitor access to use resources held at other libraries including: SCONUL Access; The British Library; National Art Library; BFI Reuben Library and National Archive; British Architectural Library; and the National Archives.
Accessible Formats
Wherever there is an assessed need the Library will acquire or digitise resources in accessible formats. These resources are made available to meet specific needs of the individual and will not form part of the University’s collections.
Review
The Library will review this Policy every year and any significant changes will be considered and approved by the Director of Student Services.
January 2024
Review: January 2025