Collection Development

The University Library will be conducting an ongoing, rigorous, analysis of subscriptions holdings, particularly electronic databases, to identify titles for potential cancellation. 

The process we will follow is outlined below:

ANALYSIS PROCESS

• Databases with high percentage of duplicated titles identified
• Usage in the last two years analysed
• Availability and coverage of duplicated titles in other databases analysed

NOTIFICATION PROCESS

• New cancellations and purchases will be advertised via your Liaison Librarian and the library's social media channel

Please email if you require more detailed information.

The Library preferences electronic formats to enhance access to the collection independent of time and location.

Availability, price, demand, platform options, user numbers and licencing restrictions will be considered in relation to the e-preferred principle.

While every effort will be made to purchase electronic materials in preference to print materials, there will be exceptions. 

Examples of possible exceptions:

• Prescribed textbooks may require one print copy to be purchased for the High Use Collection.
• Books with significant visual images may be best displayed in print format (e.g. art and architecture books).
• Special Collections and Archives may require an archival print copy in addition to an eBook.
• Those ebooks only available as part of a collection which the Library does not acquire.
• Those ebooks only available by subscription or through suppliers which do not sell to institutions.

The Library accepts donations of books and other items which meet the learning, teaching and research needs of the University, including rare and unusual material not generally available.

The Library does not accept:

• Items in poor physical condition;
• Duplicate holdings;
• Superseded editions of textbooks or reference works;
• Issues of journals or magazines;
• Material outside the current parameters of the collection development guidelines.

Offers to donate library materials should be submitted in writing (via the web, email or letter) using the Library Materials Offer of Donation Form. Acceptance of the conditions of donation is required.

Please do not deliver any items to the Library prior to submitting your offer. You will be contacted to notify the outcome of your offer within 15 working days.

Conditions of acceptance

• Unless determined to be Special Collections materials, donated material will be integrated into the existing collections, and is subject to the same conditions of use and disposal as those collections. The Library does not accept general donations which have limitations or restrictions on their use or disposal.
• Donations which are accepted will become the property of the University Library, and may not be claimed back at a later date.
• The Library does not cover costs of transport, freight or delivery without prior approval.
• Significant donations will normally be acknowledged by letter on receipt and, where appropriate, considered for a bookplate with the donor’s name.

For more information on what the Library accepts, and to make an offer to donate visit the collection offers page.

• Recommendations for new purchases are welcomed from University of Adelaide staff and students.
• Recommendations should be submitted via this form.
• Recommendations will be progressed for purchase if they meet the collection development principles outlined on this page and there are sufficient funds available.