Collection Development Statement
NECC Library supports Northern Essex students’ and faculty’s teaching and research needs by developing, maintaining, and creating accessible collections with evolving services for on-campus and online students. The Libraries adhere to copyright policies and best practices and purchase materials as appropriate. This collection development policy was written to establish guidelines for selecting, retaining, and maintaining library materials.
Selection Statement
The primary mission of the Library is to provide resources to support the curriculum and research needs of NECC’s students and faculty, with a secondary goal to collect materials that reflect the general interests of the entire College community.
In addition to a resource’s relevance to the curriculum and collection, factors for selection and retention include, but are not limited to format, currency, cost, and collection balance representing a range of social, educational, and intellectual viewpoints.
The libraries also serve as an archive and depository of college documents such as All College Assembly minutes, Board of Trustees minutes, accreditation reports, and College historical collections.
Responsibility for Selection
The selection of library materials is a joint responsibility of the librarians and library staff, with extensive input from faculty. The ultimate responsibility for selecting library materials resides with the Assistant Dean of Library Services.
Suggestions for acquisitions from faculty, staff, and students are welcomed but are subject to the same selection criteria as all other library materials.
Acquisitions Priorities
Librarians regularly assess print and digital resources to maintain collection currency and relevance (specifically to collection requirements for academic program accreditation). Selection of new materials and continuation of print or digital subscriptions are made based on affordability, faculty and curriculum needs, reviews, and availability of resources through the NECC Library’s consortia.
NECC Library does not purchase textbooks used in the College’s courses; however, general works used in the curriculum (such as works of literature) are regularly acquired due to their broad application across disciplines.
Withdrawal of Materials
Librarians regularly review materials for withdrawal or discontinuation to maintain a robust and valuable collection that reflects the College’s current needs. Materials may be withdrawn and/or discontinued for one or more reasons: physical condition, currency, lack of circulation, budgetary constraints, and availability in other formats or through the library’s consortia. Consultation with teaching faculty may be undertaken before withdrawal, particularly when deaccessioning multiple volumes or discontinuing standing subscriptions to print or digital resources. Removing any materials from the library collection is done at the sole discretion of the Assistant Dean of Library Services.
Donations
NECC Library does not accept donations of books and other library materials due to space and processing limitations.
Updated: 4/3/2023
