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Holland College

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Selecting and Purchasing Materials for Your Collection

At Holland College, learning managers are responsible for the selection of materials to support learning in each program area.  This includes the purchase of new materials as well as the replacement or weeding of older items.  Our collection development matrix sets out some purchasing criteria to help guide your decisions.

Library Services can help by providing analyses of your existing collection, suggesting new materials, and circulating "what's new" lists and alerts in your subject area.  We can also assist with budget development, based on industry and library benchmarks, for special projects or ongoing program needs. Once your materials have been received, we can help you determine the loan and management status that best suits your needs.

Publisher's representatives will often supply you with catalogues and sample (examination or review) copies in your program area, and alert you to supplementary materials to accompany a textbook. Please note that the library cannot accept free examination copies as part of the College circulating collection.

Once you have determined which materials you would like to purchase, the Holland College Bookstore will help by handling the actual order for you.  You can order online using the order form provided on the Staff Web, or by means of a paper requisition form.  In order for the Bookstore to process your order, there must be sufficient funds in your program budget.  Items ordered as library (resource) materials will be sent automatically to Library Services for cataloguing.  Whenever new materials arrive, we will contact you to let you know and to determine the item's desired loan status and location.

Need help with sources and types of materials?

Here are some suggested online sources, organized by type.  You can also contact your Liaison Librarian for assistance with gap identification, print catalogues, or search techniques.