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Collection Development Policy

Introduction

Subject specialists—bibliographers—at the University of Chicago Library build collections—in print, digital, manuscript, audio-visual, and other forms—to support the University’s research and teaching mission.

PURPOSE

The collection development policies here are intended to document the scope and extent of current collection building and to create a basis for ongoing conversations between librarians, faculty, and students regarding the selection and retention of library materials. They articulate a set of collecting priorities which must remain dynamic to ensure that the Library continues to meet the current and future needs of this scholarly community within the constraints of its materials budget. We hope that they foster two-way communication about the collections: contact information appears at the beginning of each policy, and we always welcome suggestions from our readers.