Dartmouth Libraries Collection Development Policy

Policy Statement

Dartmouth Libraries' approach to collection development considers ownership, licensing, borrowing, and open access across the scholarly ecosystem. In order to provide the most comprehensive access to resources possible, we commit to collaboration and partnerships, openness, accessibility, and diverse perspectives.

Commitment to Collaboration and Partnerships
Given the volume and variety of scholarly output, it is not possible for any research library to collect or retain everything. Dartmouth Libraries carefully determine what to acquire and retain in support of the Dartmouth academic community, as well as our national and global partners.

Dartmouth Libraries' owned collections form a core that is dynamic and aligns with Dartmouth's curricular and research needs. Through its network of partnerships, the Libraries enhance and provide access to subject and research areas beyond that core. Active partners include:

• the Ivy Plus Libraries Confederation
• the Center for Research Libraries
• and Hathi Trust.

Librarians make collection development decisions by considering:

• which resources to acquire for the core collection 
• which materials are accessible via our network of partnerships
• which materials are provided through interlibrary loan
• the long-term preservation of electronic and physical scholarly records.

Commitment to Openness 
Dartmouth Libraries commits to supporting open scholarship. The Libraries prioritize open publishing in alignment with Dartmouth's curricular and research priorities in financially sustainable ways, including:

• entering into read and publish agreements
• pursuing alternative and emerging open publishing models
• supporting green and hybrid open access publishing
• maintaining direct support of University Presses.

Commitment to Accessibility
Dartmouth Libraries purchase and license materials with an accessibility lens. This includes:

• ensuring that electronic materials meet relevant industry standards for accessibility 
• maintaining the rights to enhance and make materials accessible to users if materials do not meet accessibility standards.

Commitment to Diverse Perspectives
The Libraries take an inclusive approach to collection development by:

• providing access to various perspectives as part of the foundation for the creation of new knowledge and historical understanding
• actively striving to collect materials by and about historically marginalized communities and voices

Upon acquiring or licensing items, we:

• ensure accurate description of materials for use and access of scholarly information
• seek to minimize bias in the language used for discovery in both new and legacy collections.

Dartmouth Libraries' collections contain material by authors, creators, and collectors that reflect the context of their times. Works may contain misstated facts, erroneous conclusions, or content that individuals or groups may object to. Please refer to Dartmouth Libraries Challenged Materials Policy for details.