This collection policy statement is intended to serve as a tool for evaluating, managing, and developing the Divinity collection as well as a vehicle for communicating information about the collection. It’s acceptance and use enables librarians and faculty to work consistently toward defined goals, thereby building a stronger collection. It should guide faculty and librarians in selecting materials for adding to the collection as well as for weeding purposes; selecting materials for removal to remote storage choosing alternative formats (e.g., electronic, microforms: and services (e.g., document delivery) to the book; suggesting areas of cooperation and resource sharing; providing information which will assist in the budgetary allocation process; suggesting areas which call for major development activities; etc.
This policy also informs library staff and users as to the scope and nature of the Divinity collection and how it relates to other divisions of The Jean and Alexander Heard Library. Beyond the immediate context, it defines special relationships to other libraries and associations such as the Center for Research Libraries and the American Theological Library Association, etc.
This statement strives to bring coherence from the numerous factors at work and on demand for the Divinity Library. It attempts to integrate the various activities of collection building and collection management and to give focus and energy to the operation.