Electronic Resources
Collection Development Policy

Introduction | Purpose of Collections | Format/Access | Selection Criteria | Multiple Formats/Copies | Licensing | Responsibilities

I. INTRODUCTION

This document is an extension of the overall policy governing the building of collections at the FAMU Libraries. This policy guides the funding, selection, acquisition, and retention of electronic resources. Partnerships in cooperative acquisitions and cost sharing, both within and outside the University community, e.g., colleges, schools, and other units within the University, other state university libraries, etc., will be pursued when feasible.

This policy will be revised as appropriate to reflect changes in the emerging and constantly changing electronic information environment.

II. PURPOSE OF ELECTRONIC COLLECTIONS
  1. To provide access to electronic resources that support the teaching, research, and service programs of the Florida A&M University.
  2. To provide wider accessibility to information resources, e.g. remote access.
  3. To provide timely updates to information.
  4. To provide access to information resources that are only available electronically. 
III. FORMAT AND ACCESS
  1. Internet/Web-based access is preferred to CD-Rom, stand-alone, dial-up, etc.
  2. Campus-wide and off-campus/remote access are preferred to library-only access.
  3. IP authentication is preferred to user name/password access.
IV. SELECTION CRITERIA
  1. Subject relevancy (supports the University's teaching, research, and service)
  2. Intellectual level and quality of information
  3. Currency and validity of information and updates
  4. Uniqueness and completeness of information
  5. Added-value and advantages over other formats
  6. Archival issues - availability, cost, limitations, storage, etc
  7. Reliability of customer support and availability of quality documentation and training.
  8. Authority of producer
  9. Cost sustainable by the electronic resources budget for the foreseeable future
  10. Availability and cost of updates, backfiles, future upgrades
  11. Access and network capability. 
  12.  Reasonable confidence in producer's commitment to maintenance
  13. Technical ease and accessibility, and technical compatibility with library's existing and/or future hardware and software
  14. Technology and staff to deliver and support the resource is available
  15. Legal issues including licensing requirement and restrictions 
  16. Copyright and fair use issues
V. MULTIPLE FORMATS AND MULTIPLE COPIES

The Libraries will not support more than one version or format (e.g. multiple database platforms; electronic and print and/or microform) unless there are overriding and compelling reasons.

The number of simultaneous users will be determined by anticipated demand and available funding. If sufficient user demand is demonstrated, additional licenses may be acquired.

VI. LICENSING 
  1. The Library's authorized users include the students, faculty and staff of The Florida A&M University and all on-site visitors.
  2. "Site" is defined to include any FAMU unit including distance campuses and other off-campus facilities.
  3. FAMU students, faculty and staff, should be able to access electronic resources from any location.
  4. The preferred method for authenticating authorized users is via IP.
  5. Outside requests for information from electronic resources may be provided if those requests comply with copyright law. 
  6. The vendor should offer provisions for perpetual access.
  7. Reliable technical support should be available.
  8. The license must meet with the approval of the University General Counsel's Office and the Office of Information Technology.
  9. The Office of the President has the authority to approve and sign the finalized license agreements.
VII. RESPONSIBILITIES AND DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION

    Evaluation, Selection/Deselection, Acquisition, Renewal --- The Electronic Collections Librarian in consultation with the Collection Development Committee

    Technical Support and Maintenance: Network connections, interface, application and software upgrades, etc. --- Systems

    Bibliographic control --- Cataloging

    Staff and End-user Training: Vendor provided training, train-the-trainer, end-user training, resource guides, etc.  --- Electronic Collections and Public Services

    Publicity and Marketing: Via email, library newsletter, library Web page, personal contacts, etc. -- Collection Development, in coordination with Public Relations, an Public Services

    BWright
    6/2005