library policy #12: Policy on Browsing Collection

This policy outlines the general rules governing the Browsing Collection, i.e., selection of materials, cataloging and circulation of such materials, and review of the collection.

^ go to top

Each year the Dean of Libraries, in consultation with the Collection Development Committee, will designate a certain allocation from the expected revenue from the Library's fines and fees to the Browsing Book Selection Committee for Browsing Book purchases.

^ go to top

3.1 It is the responsibility of the Browsing Book Selection Committee to select materials which should go into the Browsing Collection. This collection is designed to house worthy popular materials or materials of a timely nature.

3.2 The Browsing Book Selection Committee will add to the Browsing collection in the following areas: General Humanities, General Social Sciences, General Sciences, Fiction (including best sellers), Biography, and Miscellaneous. Anyone may suggest materials to be ordered and housed in the Browsing Collection by submitting them through the Chair of the Browsing Books Committee

3.3 Material selected for purchase will be ordered by the Collection Development Department the same way as any other monographic firm order. Browsing Book Selection Committee members can visit local bookstores for the purpose of selection, but must first check with the Head, Collection Development to assure proper billing procedures.

3.4 Approval Plan books of firm order materials deemed appropriate for the Browsing Collection can be so designated by the appropriate Library Liaison.

^ go to top

4.1 Browsing materials will be fully cataloged by the Cataloging Department. Such materials will be designated by the placement of "Browsing Collection" over the call number and other evident marking for ease of shelving.

^ go to top

5.1 Browsing materials will circulate for two weeks and are non-renewable.

^ go to top

6.1 Browsing materials will be placed in the Browsing Collection for a period of one year in which time they should be evaluated for continuation in the Browsing Collection. Materials deemed inappropriate for the Browsing Collection should be referred to the appropriate Library Liaison who will decide whether to keep the material in the General Collection or discard it. Discarded materials should be processed as other withdrawn materials.

^ go to top

7.1 Materials for the Browsing Collection will be selected on an ongoing basis. One half of the monies should be spent by December 31 and the other half by June 30.

^ go to top

8.1 Every effort will be made to acquire hardback materials for the Browsing Collection.

^ go to top

Draft: Veronique Aniel, Dorothy Fludd, Robert Neville, Katina Strauch October 11, 1984
Approved: Administrative Group October 30, 1984
Reviewed: Librarians November 15, 1984
Approved: Director of Libraries November 12, 1984
Revised: Browsing Book Selection Committee June 26, 1985
Reviewed: Administrative Group September 23, 1985
Approved: Director of Libraries September 23, 1985