Policies & Guidelines

Patron Experience

The library staff strives to serve our patrons in an efficient and positive manner. We aim to create satisfied patrons whether they are students, faculty, staff, alumni, vendors, visitors, or members of the general public.

Interaction

• Acknowledge patrons in a friendly and professional manner, whether in person, on phone, chat or when responding to library email
• Show interest in meeting the patron’s information need, regardless of the level of question, and acknowledge customer expectations
• Provide a physical space conducive to learning

Efficiencies

• Be knowledgeable on how to perform library procedures to ensure an efficient transaction
• Notify other staff of any issues or problems needing resolution
• Communicate patron needs and feedback for the library to address

Ownership

• Enforce library policies in a respectful manner
• Refer to another staff member if they do not know the answer to a patron’s question, or make arrangements to follow up with the patron
• Be informed of services and events both at the Library and University-wide, to better serve our patrons

Patron Experience

The purpose of these reference guidelines is to establish and enhance behaviors, practices, librarian accountability, and the delivery of efficient and effective reference services to our patrons. The Reference Interview is the method used for reference transactions. Note: based on the RUSA Reference/Information Services Standards.

Engagement

• Establishes a "reference presence" that is obvious to patrons
• Engages patrons
• Assistance offered at point-of-need
• Staff and student resources and are structured and delivered “ jargon-free”
• Demonstrate a high degree of interest in the reference transaction

Listening and Inquiring

• Effectively identify and meet patron information needs
• Communicates in a receptive, cordial, and encouraging manner
• Uses a vocal and written tone appropriate to the nature of the transaction and the user
• Allows the patron to state fully their information need before responding

Searching and Finding

• Facilitates patron articulation of their information needs
• Identifies the goals or objectives of the user’s research
• Rephrases the query to facilitate the development of a search strategy
• Seeks to clarify confusing terminology and avoids excessive jargon
• Uses closed and/or clarifying questions to refine the search query
• Uses open-ended questioning techniques
• Verifies and validates results with user input
• Maintains objectivity and does not interject value judgments

Evaluating Outcomes

• Responsible for determining patron satisfaction and advice accuracy
• Use experiences to develop best practices and standards for reference interactions
• Assessment strategy and development
• Refresher training and new staff orientation materials

Information Literacy

The library foster and supports the development information across the university, striving to enhance the ability of students, faculty, and staff to find, evaluate, and use information effectively.

Finding Information

• Each group the library serves has a unique set of information needs.
• It is important to be aware of the emotional factors related to a person’s reluctance to ask for help finding, evaluating, or using information.
• Consulting to help clarify research instructions in a powerful way for the library to remove barriers that prevent people from navigating information. We look for ways to incorporate popular search tools into search strategy instruction as an
• Opportunity to clarify issues related to credibility.

Evaluating Information

The library nudges an either-or approach to “scholarly resources” toward a more realistic continuum approach involving a range of “credible resources” based on specific information needs. This includes clarifying and communicating criteria for evaluating information sources.

Using Information

• The library is an active player in setting the stage for academic integrity across the university through our efforts to address plagiarism and clarify APA Style guidelines.
• The library is committed to the development and adoption of sound copyright policies and practices. We are engaged in the clarification of fair use guidelines among students, faculty, and staff.

Search Instruction

• The library provides brief, general orientations to the libraries resources and services. We also provide tailored orientations based on specific courses and assignments.
• The library creates tools such as library research guides and short video tutorials to make bibliographic instruction accessible regardless of a person’s schedule, geographic location, or time zone.
• The library offers individualized research consultations to students, faculty, and staff.

University Engagement

The library contributes to the strengthening of programs and learning by actively participating in university discussions related to information literacy, research, and academic rigor and integrity. The library staff nurtures existing relationships with university leadership and works to demonstrate our willingness to support the academic and programmatic goals of our faculty.

Liaison Relationships

• Library staff strives to remain familiar with the interests and information needs of university faculty. We share information, resources, and timely articles based on this growing knowledge.
• Library staff collaborates with lead faculty to develop and maintain relevant research guides to address the academic and research needs of their instructors and students.
• Library staff consults with content editors, instructional designers, and lead faculty to help ensure the quality of course assignments that involve research and other library services and resources.
• Library staff consults with faculty to explore research questions related to the university’s program offerings and other matters related to existing course-related instruction and resources.

University Committee Representation

Librarians represent our services and mission by actively participating on relevant committees, advisory groups, and task forces.

Student Services

The library works closely with other departments that are working to help students be successful academically. This includes the Student Learning Center, Student Affairs, Advising, Financial Aid, and International Services. We also provide space and additional resources for student groups as the interest and need arise.

Special Events

• The library looks for opportunities to present information in unique and interesting formats with a broad general appeal.
• This includes inviting guest speakers and fostering collaboration across university departments as well as with organizations and individuals within the community.
• The library identifies potential speakers and event participation through our alumni organization.
• The library works with the marketing department to promote library events.

• SMRs are available for groups and individuals.
• Reservations are strongly encouraged. Available rooms are treated as first come, first serve. Please check in at the circulation desk.
• Reserved rooms will be held for 15 minutes after the reservation time, they may be released to another group.
• Food and drink are permitted in SMRs.
• All SMRs must be vacated 5 minutes prior to closing time.
• Hybrid Rooms 3, 4, and 5 are not available for students after 5pm Monday through Thursday as they are used for classes.

The Learning Commons welcomes questions or comments. Include your name and email address if you would like us to respond to you personally.

The computing and networking facilities in the Franklin University Nationwide Library are provided to support the research, teaching and learning needs of the University Community. The Library supports access to research materials and the use of computing technologies to: 1) identify, locate and use high-quality scholarly resources; and 2) to promote life-long learning, information literacy, and intellectual freedom.

Library computing and network users have a responsibility to use these resources in an ethical and legal manner. All users must comply with the Student Code of Conduct, the appropriate sections of the Employee Handbook, (under “Information Systems/Software”), the Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy and the Library Acceptable Use Standard (AUS).

The Franklin University Nationwide Library Acceptable Use Standards (AUS) applies to anyone who uses any component of the Franklin University Library computing and networking facility. By using any Library system(s), users agree to comply with the above mentioned Policies, Handbooks, Codes of Conduct or Acceptable Use Standards (AUS).

Standards for Acceptable Use

A. Use of Library resources are primarily intended to support and promote academic purposes. These purposes include research, resource discovery that fulfills class assignments, enhancement of career development, support of instruction and the promotion of University related goals and objectives.

B. The Library provides access to information in keeping with the statements of intellectual freedom of the American Library Association.

C. Printing & copying is only for the purposes of University instruction, advancement, administration, research and study. The rules and obligations described in this document apply to all users (students and alumni), wherever they may be located. Demand for computing and printing/copying resources may at times exceed the supply of workstations or network connections. Responsible computing requires users be sensitive to the needs of all who seek to use University resources by limiting printing/copying to 50 pages per day at the Learning Commons. We reserve the right to make discretionary assessments as to when acceptable use has been exceeded or abused.

D. The following are some of the activities which are not permitted within the Franklin University “Standards of Information Technology Conduct”. This list is not exclusive and other items may be added or changed as needed. If you are in doubt of the appropriateness of an activity, you are encouraged to contact the University Help Desk at helpdesk@franklin.edu for guidance.

• Modification of system files
• Downloading of any software application onto Library systems
• Storing numerous or large files beyond the scope required for current coursework
• Attempting to hide one’s true identity by changing one’s username or real name (i.e. use of an alias)
• Use of an account not owned by the assigned user
• Unauthorized use of computing resources/facilities
• Use of inappropriate or unlawful material
• Waste of computer resources (which includes printing/copying above 50 pages per day)
• Unauthorized dissemination of course material and or software
• Personal usage
• Attempting to access unauthorized systems
• Unauthorized deliberate action which damages or disrupts a computing system, alters its normal performance or causes it to malfunction
• Sending obscene, racist, sexist, or harassing (political or ethnical) emails utilizing threatening language or actions
• Unauthorized or unsolicited mass mailings (i.e. SPAM)
• Viewing pornography
• Scams and pyramid schemes
• Propagating email viruses
• Theft of any University property, intellectual or otherwise

Disciplinary Actions

Disciplinary Procedures for violation of the Student Code of Conduct are listed under “Non Academic Matters” in the Student Code of Conduct and under “Penalties for Misuse” in the Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy. Further disciplinary actions may be taken as deemed necessary.

The Franklin University Library maintains the University's archival records. Records which are deemed to have enduring research or historical value should be submitted to the Library to be maintained in the University's archives, in whatever format is feasible, although digital formats are preferred. Archival records may be submitted to the library at any time by the department which has created those records. However, sole copies of materials should only be submitted at the end of their life cycle and should be identified as the only copy of the material.

The Library may identify and request materials to be submitted to the archives, and departments should submit such records to the archive whenever feasible. The Library will determine what records are to be included in, and maintained as part of, the University archives. Records contained in the University archives may be maintained for an indefinite period of time, and are not subject to the limits of the records retention policy.

Purpose and Goals of Collection Development

The Franklin University Library exists to support the University’s academic mission and is committed to acquiring the resources needed by the University’s students, faculty, and staff. It is the Library’s goal to maintain the most cost-effective collection of print and electronic materials and provide access to resources that best support the students, faculty and staff of the University.

To support the research needs of the University community, the Library participates in, and encourages, cooperative collection development and resource sharing agreements with other libraries through OhioLINK and OCLC’s WorldCat Resource Sharing and will work with consortia to provide access to information resources available through cooperative collection development.

The goal of Franklin University Library's collection development efforts is to build a collection that supports the needs of the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs at the University.

The Library uses these collection development guidelines to select, acquire, evaluate, and maintain information resources in all formats. These collection development guidelines apply to the Library’s general collections development, but do not apply to the Library’s special collections which will be governed by the Library’s “Special Collections Development Guidelines.”

The Library’s collection development philosophy reflect the mission of Franklin University and the Franklin University Library. These guidelines communicate the guiding principles for the collection to faculty, students, staff, and other interested persons, while providing guidance to those responsible for developing the collection.

Library Standards and Principles

The Franklin University Library supports the principles and performance indicators outlined in the American Library Association’s Association of College and Research Libraries’ (ALA-ACRL) “Standards for Libraries in Higher Education”. The Franklin University Library also supports the principles outlined in the American Library Association’s “Library Bill of Rights” and “Code of Ethics.” 

The Franklin University Library complies with the provisions of the United States Copyright Law, and any applicable licenses which govern the use of library material. 

Responsibility for Library Collection Development

Librarians serve as liaisons with each academic department and are responsible for developing the library collection in their assigned areas. Using qualitative and quantitative assessment measures, librarians are responsible for determining the strengths and weaknesses of their assigned areas and developing the collection to support the programs in their liaison area. 

Library liaisons work with faculty members to identify resources for the Library’s collection that directly support existing, new, or re-designed curricula, or have a lasting value for faculty scholarly development. However, the Library retains final responsibility for selecting materials for acquisition.

Additionally, liaisons may supplement collection development with materials deemed necessary to support the needs of the University’s students.

Library Materials Funds

The Library’s ability to obtain or add requested materials is subject to the constraints of the Library’s budget. The Library has an acquisition budget consisting of four object codes which the Library uses to acquire materials for the collection. 

The Library’s acquisitions budget may be supplemented by funds from gifts and donations to the Library. Donations to the Library must support the Library’s mission, and be consistent with these collection development guidelines.

Subject to availability, the Library will allocate funds to support new programs or courses. Liaisons will work with faculty to acquire appropriate one-time purchase materials (books, media) in support of new courses or programs and ongoing purchases (periodicals, databases) may be considered where appropriate and supported by the library's budget.

General Selection Process and Guidelines

Selection of material is a continuous process affected by changing curriculum, availability of new material, changes in access to content from existing electronic resources, changes in consortium driven resources, usage of existing resources, and other factors (including budget).The three primary criteria for selection are how the material: 

1. supports the curriculum and/or the needs of the University community;
2. improves the overall Library collection; and
3. enhances access to information.

Where electronic access to materials is available, the electronic format will be preferred over print. Materials which are available in both print and electronic formats may be obtained in both formats if doing so will benefit the University community.

The general guidelines for selection of library materials include, but are not limited to:

1. Relevance to the curriculum or the University community;
2. Lasting value of content and format;
3. Material style, clarity, quality;
4. Strength or weakness of existing collection in the same area;
5. Usage level of similar materials in same collection area;
6. Price—relative cost of material in relation to the budget and other needed material;
7. Currency of material;
8. Language; and
9. Availability from other libraries through consortia.

The Library also collects books authored or edited by the University's faculty members.

The general guidelines for items not selected include, but are not limited to:

1. Materials which do not support the University’s programs or the University community;
2. Outdated formats;
3. Items where the cost of acquisition outweighs the benefit of providing access;
4. Items limited by an overly restrictive accompanying license;
5. Materials needed for faculty, staff or students' personal use or research which does not support a course or University initiative; and
6. Memberships/registrations/online access fees for websites or organizations.

The library will attempt to obtain access to electronic databases critical to curriculum support where such resources are within the library’s budget and support the general research / learning objects of our students. The Library will not obtain databases or resources which should be provided by a department for use in classwork, unless the University specifically provides funds for the Library to do so.

In obtaining electronic database resources, the goal is to provide access to all members of the University community. However, a resource may be obtained for a limited group (such as only graduate students) where a resource is needed for only a limited subsection of the University’s population, there is a significant cost savings from obtaining the resource with limited access, and the Library’s technology permits limiting access to that group. 

Textbooks

The Library will obtain etextbooks in support of the University’s classes where such etextbooks can be obtained with an unlimited access license. The library only purchases etextbooks which are required for use in a course, can be purchased within the library's etextbook budget, and which do not have an excessive cost. If the price of a textbook is determined to be excessive, the library will work with faculty and/or course designers to identify an affordable alternative. 

Because of the need for textbooks to be accessible to remote students, the Library does not obtain physical copies of course textbooks, nor can physical copies be made available through the library to be the textbook for a course. However, the Library does make available on course reserve any copies of textbooks which faculty members provide to the Library.

Collection Maintenance Process 

De-selection (weeding) of the library collection is an ongoing process conducted by library staff.  Material that is outdated, inaccurate, or damaged beyond reasonable repair will be removed from the collection on a regular basis. The Library may also remove material from the collection when it is determined to no longer meet the Library's criteria for selection of material to add to the collection.

When possible, damaged material will be repaired and returned to the collection. The Library will attempt to purchase updated copies of material that is weeded because of being outdated or damaged where such copies are available and meet the Library’s guidelines for collection development.

Electronic resources are evaluated based on usage and cost. Subscriptions to electronic resources may be discontinued if the resource, or the cost per use for the resource, becomes too expensive. If an electronic resource necessary to support a specific program becomes cost-prohibitive, the Library will collaborate with faculty to evaluate alternate resources.

Challenges to Library Material

The resources acquired for the Franklin University Library are selected according to the collection development guidelines, general criteria, discipline-specific needs, and budget. Appearance of any resource does not mean that the Library advocates or endorses the ideas found in that resource. Because the Franklin University Library strives to provide collections that represent a diversity of viewpoints, library users may occasionally find materials owned by the Library to be controversial or objectionable.

Library resources may be challenged by the University’s students, faculty, and staff. However, a challenge to a resource must be based on the failure of that resource to fall with the Library's collection development guidelines, including the commitment to intellectual freedom. To proceed, patrons may email a complaint to the Director of the Learning Commons, indicating their concerns with the material and how it fails to meet the guidelines. The complaint should also include full contact information for the concerned patron. The complaint will be reviewed by the Director and library staff in consultation with higher administrators as needed, and the complainant will receive a letter in return indicating the final decision.

Collection Development Guidelines Review Process

The Franklin University Library will review the Collection Development Guidelines as needed and any substantive changes will be communicated to the Franklin University community through established methods. Ultimate responsibility for the Collection Development Guidelines rests on the Director of the Learning Commons at Franklin University.

Last updated January 27, 2022

General Information

The Library is dedicated to helping students, faculty, and staff navigate the many resources and tools available through the Learning Commons, as well as develop information literacy and research skills. Librarians can teach you how to use library resources and tools, find subject-specific sources, employ research strategies, and more through research assistance and research coaching appointments. Research assistance is available: 

• Online (via chat and email)
• By phone

Research coaching appointments are one-on-one appointments with a librarian for more in-depth consultation. Appointments can be held:

• Online (via Zoom)
• By phone

What are Research Services

Research Services are meant to help students become independent learners, so librarians aim to teach students skills and recommend resources that will help them throughout their coursework, while also addressing the immediate needs of their current assignment and/or question. Librarians can: 

• Assist students, faculty, and staff with research by recommending research databases and other resources, discussing useful keywords/search terms, suggesting relevant search strategies and tools, providing guidance on selecting sources, and other support as needed. Librarians can search with students and help students find sources for their assignment; however, librarians will not do a student's research for them or select sources on their behalf.
• Help students, faculty, and staff get access to specific sources by locating the source in the library databases or an outside resource, or if not available freely, by requesting the source through Interlibrary Loan (ILL) services. Please note the library cannot always get access to every source, and it may be necessary to select an alternative source when it is unavailable through the library, ILL, or outside resources. 
• Troubleshoot library technology issues like database login issues or RefWorks. For non-library technology, please contact the Technology HelpDesk for assistance.
• Provide guidance on APA rules and formatting. Librarians will answer specific APA questions and provide guidance on APA rules, but we do not check APA citation or formatting for students.
• Answer etextbook questions. Librarians can help answer general questions about embedded etextbooks, but it may be necessary to contact the Bookstore if experiencing login issues or other problems accessing course embedded etextbooks. 
• Suggest open datasets and statistics. Please note that the library provides limited data sets and statistical resources.  

What Research Services are not

• A source collection service – librarians will not collect sources like articles or ebooks for you or do any other aspect of coursework for you. Instead they will help you navigate the research resources, build research skills, and answer APA questions.
• A review or editing service – librarians will not check/review paper formatting or grammar for you. For writing review and assistance, please use the Online Writing Review and Tutoring services.
• A substitute for meeting with your instructor – librarians cannot answer specific assignment and classroom questions but can work with you on the research aspects of your coursework.

General Policies and Guidelines

• Follow all university and library policies. Students are expected to uphold and abide by certain standards of conduct laid out in the Community Standards and Student Code of Conduct and all Learning Commons policies and guidelines. 
• Prepare for research help. Students are expected to prepare for research help by reading all course instructions and assigned materials pertinent to completing their research assignment. 

Research Coaching Policies and Guidelines

• Be on time. The librarian will wait no more than 10-15 minutes for an appointment; thereafter, your appointment will be lapsed and considered a “no show.” Time will also not be added to your appointment if you are late.
• Appointment Limitations. Students are limited to 2 research coaching appointments per week with a librarian.
• Same Day Appointments. Students who do not have an appointment are welcome to request a same day appointment. However, if staffing levels preclude this, the student will be advised to schedule an appointment for an alternative time.
• Cancelling Appointment. Students may cancel an appointment either by contacting the library or librarian that they are scheduled with or by using the cancellation option in the appointment confirmation email. In order to respect the time of our staff, we encourage students to cancel appointments rather than failing to show.
• Missed appointments. Students who fail to attend scheduled appointments and do not cancel appointment beforehand will be considered a “No Show”. At the discretion of library administration, students may be permitted to re-schedule another appointment in the same week to make up for missed appointments. 
• Appointment Duration. Check your confirmation email for appointment duration which can vary depending on the appointment and needs of the student. For appointments that go over an hour, students may need to schedule a second appointment if the librarian is not able to stay past the one hour. 

Before the appointment, students can expect the librarian to send an appointment confirmation email to the student within 24 hours of request. During the appointment, the librarian will provide student with relevant information and resources and verify and validate that the appointment satisfied student requirements.

Questions? If you have any questions regarding these policies, contact the Library at (614) 947-6550, toll-free at 1-866-341-6252 or via email: library@franklin.edu.

General Information:

Franklin University faculty and staff may request research assistance from the Franklin librarians. Research projects may include, but are not limited to, literature searches on course topics, course textbooks, academic best practices, etc. or informational reports on occupations, program competition, etc. to support university programs and initiatives.

To request a research project fill out the Research Project form: https://www.franklin.edu/library/research-project-request

Project Scope & Limitations:

All research is expected to be related to the development/enrichment of Franklin courses, programs, or initiatives, such as grant applications, course materials, programs proposals, university projects, etc. (Please note: we do not have access to program proposals for other universities, but through EMSI and NCES can determine what universities have programs.)

Personal research projects will not be accepted, nor will research for non-affiliated patrons.

Librarians will work to find the best resources for you and provide brief summaries/abstracts, but do not provide synthesis of research and/or writing of reports, proposals, or course design.

Librarian Expectations:

• Respond to request within 2-3 days
• Set up an initial consultation via email, phone, or in-person
• May send an initial report or some resources to ensure research fits needs of request
• Adjust scope and deliverables as needed
• Maintain contact and provide progress updates
• Send final document with research resources, brief summaries or notes, and/or any other pertinent information to requester and copy Alyssa Darden
• Add completed research project to the research project folder on Sharepoint

Requester Expectations:

• Provide expectations, deliverables, and timelines in request and/or consultation before librarian starts research project
• Serve as the subject-matter expert and provide feedback on the initial and final research to ensure that it meets request needs.
• Work with the librarian to adjust scope, deliverables, or timeline as needed.
• If more information is needed beyond the initial scope of the project, put in separate request for another research project as librarians rotate research projects to ensure no one is inundated with projects.

When deliverables have been provided, assess how well the library completed its work by completing the assessment at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WSXR6WV

Updated 8/11/18

Purpose of Learning Commons Video Tutorials

The Library is dedicated to helping students, faculty, and staff navigate the many resources and tools available through the Learning Commons. In order to accomplish this goal, the Learning Commons offers a variety of resources, including Learning Commons Video Tutorials. The primary goal of Learning Commons videos are to help students at all levels, faculty, and staff at Franklin University use Learning Commons resources, services, and tools, as well as to address topics related to research and APA.

These video tutorials are meant to help students become independent learners, so videos aim to show students skills and tools that will help them throughout their coursework and tackle common research and APA issues.

Video Tutorials Scope and Limitations:

All videos are created by the Instruction & Design Librarian with support by other Learning Commons and University staff and faculty. All videos are expected to relate to topics, services, and tools considered under the Learning Commons purview.

Faculty and staff can make suggestions or requests for videos by contacting the Instruction & Design Librarian (Karen Caputo), but any requests must align with Learning Commons’ goals and the purpose of the Learning Commons Video Tutorials. Additionally, videos must:

• Relate to Learning Commons resources, services, and tools,
• Appeal to a broad audience of stakeholders,
• And have applicability and longevity beyond immediate event or issue.

Suggestions and requests are also subject to staff time and workload.

Video Tutorial Maintenance:

The Learning Commons will regularly update videos in order to keep the information current and relevant to students, faculty, and staff. Any videos on topics, services, or tools that are no longer supported by the Learning Commons will be removed from website, and videos on new topics, services, and tools will be created on an as needed basis given staff time and workload and community need.

Access to Kanopy films is only provided to support curriculum and research needs of the University community. The library provides access to Kanopy videos which are included in University courses. The library will also provide access to videos when requested by

1. lead faculty or course designers in support of a course;
2. faculty in support of their research; or
3. doctoral students in support of their dissertation research.

Students requesting access must provide information supporting why they need access including the course and reason for needing access. The library will not provide access to Kanopy for films that do not support the curriculum or approved research. The number of Kanopy videos the library provides for use in a course, or in support of research, may be limited based on budget.

Faculty who know they will need access to Kanopy videos for a course should request access in advance. The library will attempt to make approved videos available as soon as possible, but it may take up to 72 hours for approved access to be granted.

Materials donated should be suitable to and within the scope of the library and the current programs offered at Franklin University. All materials donated to the library will be reviewed in accordance with the current library Collection Development Guidelines.

The library accepts the donation of these materials:

• Books
• Books on CD (non-music)
• DVDs
• Gift subscriptions to the library in the form of journals, magazines, or newspapers

The library is unable to accept donations that are:

• In poor physical condition
• Outdated content or formats
• Journals, magazines, or newspapers, unless they are current or a gift subscription
• Unrelated to the current programs being offered at Franklin University

The library is unable to pick up donations. Please bring your donations directly to the library.

Purpose and Goals of Collection Development

Collection development is the process of building and maintaining the library's collection. The collection development policy establishes the guidelines used by the Franklin University Nationwide Library in the selection, acquisition, evaluation, and maintenance of information resources in print and non-print formats. The collection development policy reflects the philosophies stated in the mission statements of both Franklin University and the Franklin University Nationwide Library and communicates the guiding principles for the collection to faculty, students, staff, and other interested persons while providing guidance to those responsible for developing the collection.

The primary goal of Franklin University Nationwide Library's collection development efforts is to build a collection that supports the needs of the undergraduate and graduate programs at Franklin University. Because the library also recognizes its responsibility to respond to the research needs of the faculty and staff by providing access to specialized information sources, the library participates in and encourages cooperative collection development and resource sharing agreements with other libraries through OhioLINK and OCLC’s WorldCat Resource Sharing.

General Library Standards and Principles

The Franklin University Nationwide Library supports the principles and performance indicators outlined in the American Library Association’s Association of College and Research Libraries’ (ALA-ACRL) “Standards for Libraries in Higher Education”.

The Franklin University Nationwide Library supports the principles outlined in the American Library Association’s “Library Bill of Rights” and “Code of Ethics” and complies with the provisions of the “U.S. Copyright Law”.

Responsibility for Library Collection Development

Librarians serve as liaisons with each academic department and are responsible for developing the library collection in their assigned areas. Using qualitative and quantitative assessment measures, librarians are responsible for determining the strengths and weaknesses of their assigned areas. Faculty work with their assigned liaison to recommend resources for the collection that directly support existing, new, or re-designed curricula, or have a lasting value for faculty scholarly development.

Library Materials Funds

The library’s acquisition budget consists of four object codes. The funds from the four object codes are used to purchase materials for the collection, including book, serial, periodical, database and audio-visual formats, and are supplemented by funds from gifts and donations to the library.

Subject to availability, the library intends to allocate funds to each new program or course in addition to support for ongoing courses. Liaisons will work with faculty to acquire appropriate one-time purchase materials (books, media). Ongoing purchases (periodicals, databases) may also be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Selection Process and Guidelines

Selection of material is a continuous process affected by changing curriculum, availability of new material, changes in access to content from existing electronic resources, changes in consortium driven resources, usage of existing resources, and other factors. As with all library purchases, the three primary criteria for selection are how it: 1) supports the curriculum, 2) improves the overall library collection, and 3) enhances access to information. In nearly all instances, if electronic access is available for the desired material this format will be chosen over print or analog versions because it enhances access to the information for the student population at Franklin University.

The general guidelines for selection of library materials include, but are not limited to;

• Relevance to the curriculum
• Lasting value of content and format
• Reputation of author, publisher or issuing entity
• Material style, clarity, quality
• Material features such as an index, table of contents, quality of medium, stability, compatibility with library systems, etc.
• Strength of existing collection in the same area
• Usage level of similar materials in same collection area
• Price—relative cost of material in relation to the budget and other needed material
• Currency of material
• Language
• Availability from other libraries through consortia
• Subject specific and standard library reviewing sources
• Current material is preferred over historical or retrospective

The general guidelines for items not selected include, but are not limited to;

• Outdated audio-visual formats
• Microforms
• Print material when it is already available electronically
• Items that have four or more copies available through consortia
• Items restricted by an accompanying license prohibiting distribution.

Collection Maintenance Process and Guidelines

De-selection (weeding) of the library collection is an ongoing process conducted by each library liaison throughout the year. Material that is outdated, inaccurate or damaged beyond reasonable repair will be removed from the collection. When possible, damaged material will be repaired and returned to the collection.

Ownership/Access Statement and Cooperative Collection Development

It is the goal of the library to maintain the most cost-effective collection of print and electronic materials and provide access to resources that best support the students, faculty and staff of Franklin University. The library will continue to work with consortia to provide access to information resources available through cooperative collection development. When electronic resources are determined to be critical to curriculum support, the library will attempt to purchase rather than lease this content. When purchase is not an option, the library will budget for continued access to the resource and if it becomes cost-prohibitive, will collaborate with faculty to evaluate alternate resources.

Challenges to Library Material

The resources acquired for the Franklin University Nationwide Library are selected according to the collection development guidelines, general criteria, and discipline-specific needs. Appearance of any resource does not mean that the library advocates or endorses the ideas found in that resource. Because Nationwide Library strives to provide collections that represent a diversity of viewpoints, library users may occasionally find materials owned by the library to be controversial or objectionable.

Resources in the Nationwide Library may be challenged by students, faculty, and staff of Franklin University. However, a challenge to a resource must be based on the failure of that resource to fall with the library's collection development guidelines,  including the commitment to intellectual freedom. To proceed, patrons may submit a written or emailed complaint to the Library Director, indicating their concerns with the material and how it fails to meet the guidelines. The complaint should also include full contact information for the concerned patron. The complaint will be reviewed by the Director and library staff in consultation with higher administrators as needed, and the complainant will receive a letter in return indicating the final decision.

Collection Development Policy Review Process

The Franklin University Nationwide Library will review the Collection Development Policy as needed and any substantive changes in the policy will be communicated to the Franklin University community through established methods. Ultimate responsibility for the collection development policy rests on the Library Director at Franklin University.

Last updated March 15, 2016