Major Criteria for Acquisitions Include the Following:

  1. The material is highly regarded as academic scholarship; its format does not detract from its content; and/or the material is known for its literary and/or artistic merit.
  2. The content of the material is current, as defined by the needs of the discipline.
  3. The content of the material supports undergraduate and graduate programs at Elms College.
  4. The ideas represented in the material attempt to respect diversity.
  5. The material has value as a classic, or as a benchmark text in its discipline.

Additional Criteria for Books are as Follows:

  1. The book has received positive reviews in one or more sources important to the discipline.
  2. The book is authored by a reputable and credible individual, or published by a reputable or credible publisher in the discipline.
  3.  A work of fiction should have use in the formal study of literature, or it should have impact on philosophical, social, and/or political thought.
  4.  A textbook must be a classic in the discipline.

Additional Criteria for Serials are as Follows:

  1. For new serials title requests, the library will default toward the purchase of the digital (electronic full-text) version of the title when it is available, in all cases.
  2. A new print serial is ordered if the intention is to retain it as a permanent part of the collection, in as complete a run as possible. Journals of an academic nature that support the curriculum have priority over popular or general magazines. Serials which serve entertainment purposes only will not be purchased.
  3. A serials title that does not support a specific element of the curriculum should contribute to the general liberal arts education of students by presenting an informed discussion of public affairs, economic, social, or political events, scientific or technical knowledge, literature, criticism, or the arts.
  4. A serials title which is not indexed in a database carried by the Alumnae Library will generally not be purchased. Newspapers and local history materials are exceptions to this policy.

Additional Criteria for Non-Print Materials are as Follows:

  1. Databases are ordered on a “Preview” basis. They must be previewed by faculty and library staff.