Collection Development Policies

The University Library supports the teaching, learning and research missions of the university through its collections. It does this by:

• Providing library materials that support the instructional programs of the university.
• Providing library materials that support the research requirements of faculty and students.
• Providing resources that offer a variety of perspectives to support the educational endeavors of the CMU community and the intellectual growth of its users.

The University Library actively solicits suggestions for additions to the library's collections from library users and members of the Central Michigan University community. The overall responsibility for collection development, however, rests with the Dean of University Libraries and the subject librarians, whose task is to ensure library collections closely support the instructional and research endeavors of the university.  

General Selection Guidelines

When considering a purchase, the library applies the following factors: 

• Whether an item supports the teaching, learning, and research activities of CMU students and faculty.
• The format of an item, with preference given to electronic materials.
• The authoritativeness and/or scholarly value of an item.
• The anticipated use of the item.
• The cost and affordability of an item.
• The currency or timeliness of an item.
• The strength of existing holdings in a subject area or similar subject areas.

Exclusions 

The University Library does not as a matter of practice purchase course textbooks, duplicate copies of materials already owned, or out-of-scope materials. Requests to do so will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.  

Gifts

The University Library does not accept gifts of books, periodicals, media items, or other materials. Exceptions may be made for materials authored or edited by CMU-affiliated individuals.

Deselections

The University Library routinely reviews its collections and removes materials that it determines have become dated, irrelevant, or of no use to our users. The subject librarians work with academic faculty in their areas to evaluate materials on an item-by-item basis in accordance with the larger library collection development policy. Deselection decisions will be influenced by cooperative holdings agreements the CMU Libraries has with other Michigan universities.  

Intellectual Freedom

As it selects materials for its collections, the University Library supports intellectual freedom and fully subscribes to the tenets of the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights. Among other rights, this statement affirms that no materials shall be excluded because of the origin, background, or view on current and historical issues, and that censorship should be challenged. If you have a concern about an item in our collection, please submit a Reconsideration of Materials form. 

CMU Libraries Collection Development Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement 

In keeping with Central Michigan University’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and professional guidelines from the American Library Association’s  Library Bill of Rights and the Association of College and Research Libraries’  Diversity Standards: Cultural Competency for Academic Libraries, the CMU Libraries pledges to collect and make available library materials reflecting the interests, concerns, and achievements of individuals and groups from marginalized and historically underrepresented populations.