We are reviewing our policies for providing resources for courses with
large student numbers (80+). We currently purchase texts to a ratio
depending on the category of title, budget available and loan history of
previous editions if applicable. Reading lists are organised into 3
categories - core (1:8), recommended (1:20) and background (single copy).
Before making any changes we felt that this was an ideal opportunity to
explore all the options available to us now - taking into consideration
developments in electronic provision - e-books, CLA pilot scanning license
etc and to find out how other academic libraries deal with this issue.
Because of this I have listed a number of questions to try and give us as
much information as possible in one email. My apologies for this, but I
would really appreciate any feedback you can provide and any other
information you think would be useful to us at this time. I will, of
course, collate the responses received and post them to the list.
Many thanks in advance,
Cath
*************************************************************
Are your students expected to purchase any texts?
If so, does the library purchase copies also and how many would you buy?
If students are not expected to buy how do you decide how many copies to
purchase - do you use a ratio?
Do you set a limit on the number of copies that you would purchase
regardless of how many students may need to access the title? This may
apply whether you use a ratio or not.
How do you decide what loan status to give to different categories - core;
recommended. What loan status would you use for items in high demand?
Do you purchase e-books versions if available?
If there is an e-book version of the title, would you purchase that instead
of, or in addition to print copies.
If in addition to - how many print copies would you buy?
Who decides on the format purchased - the Library or the individual tutor
or is it a joint decision?
If the students are expected to refer to only a chapter of a textbook as
part of their readings would you buy multiple copies or, hold a photocopy
or would you consider making a digital copy available under the CLA
scanning license if you were able?
Cath Morgan
Head of Information Services
University of Sussex
Brighton
BN1 9QL
Tel: +44(0)1273 877832
Fax: +44(0)1273 673413
|