Revised August 2024

University Libraries supports the mission and vision of the University of South Carolina by building and managing general collections that support student success and research excellence. In developing its general collections, University Libraries strives to respond to current and anticipated teaching and research needs, to provide the broadest possible access to library resources, and to responsibly steward materials of enduring academic value.  

Monographs: 

• All else being equal, University Libraries prefers the acquisition of unlimited access electronic books.
• Print books may be acquired if content, access, cost, or other issues make them preferable to electronic.
• If justified, University Libraries may acquire both print and electronic versions of the same title. 
   

Journals/serials:

• All else being equal, University Libraries strongly prefers the acquisition of electronic journal subscriptions.
• Print journal subscriptions will only be acquired when there is no viable electronic alternative.
• University Libraries supports the acquisition of electronic journals through publisher packages (“Big Deals”) when usage, cost, and other data demonstrate these packages provide greater value to the University than single-title subscriptions.
   

Electronic databases:

• University Libraries prioritizes the acquisition of electronic databases for which there is demonstrated faculty and/or student demand.
• University Libraries seeks, whenever possible, to make the content of electronic resources available to all members of the University community. To this end, our licensing priorities require unlimited simultaneous users (when possible), remote authenticated access, and explicit commitment to accessibility. Additionally, University Libraries is guided by several principles when entering into agreements with publishers and vendors that can viewed here. 

Audiovisual materials (including streaming):

• In recognition of the growing role of video content in teaching and research, University Libraries prioritizes the acquisition of audiovisual materials directly relevant to the academic needs of faculty and students.
• University Libraries strives to balance student and faculty expectations for convenience and ease-of-use of audiovisual content with the responsibility to manage limited financial resources. Therefore, the library has a separate streaming films policy that explains appropriate restrictions on requesting streaming film licenses. 
   

Consortial partnerships and resource sharing:

• To provide broad access to library materials and resources and to ensure the long-term preservation of those materials, University Libraries participates in consortial partnerships that create purchasing power and negotiating leverage, distribute shared costs, and enhance value for all members.
• To balance the needs of faculty and students for highly specialized materials with the responsibility to manage limited financial resources, University Libraries participates in resource-sharing programs such as Interlibrary Loan and PASCAL Delivers.

General Collections Selection Policy:

Materials selected for library purchase should be those of the greatest use and relevance to the university’s faculty, staff, and students. Selection criteria are determined in consultation with university faculty and library subject liaisons. Specific criteria applicable to library purchases include:

• Expressed need by university affiliates, including faculty, students & staff
• Cost
• Degree of specialization (whether the resource is likely to serve multiple interests or a narrower range of users)
• Intended audience (scholarly vs. popular; university vs. K-12 etc.)
• Language
• Format, especially in relation to cost and potential use
• Relevance to curriculum
• Reputation of publisher

General Collections Deaccessioning Policy

University Libraries is committed to building and maintaining a collection for present and future generations of scholars.  

However, for space purposes as well as for ensuring the quality of the physical collection, University Libraries will employ targeted deaccessioning efforts when needed. 

Academic Unit Review Assistance:

University Libraries offers academic units assistance with program reviews and proposals by providing data in accordance with requirements from the accrediting or approving body. Faculty from the department or unit may participate in the process, providing feedback on the data provided and input about library holdings and resources. 

Collection assessment:

University Libraries conducts ongoing collection assessments, as well as on demand assessments for new programs and accreditation reports. All collection assessments are led by the Head of Collection Strategy and Management. Academic departments in need of an on-demand assessment should reach out to their library liaison or contact the Head of Collection Strategy and Management directly. For an overview of current library material usage, please visit the University Libraries Public Dashboard.   

Material Donations: 

Due to limited space and the high cost of processing gift materials, University Libraries does not accept book and other physical material donations. Exceptions may be made for valuable, unique, or specialized materials that are well suited for our special collections libraries. Items dropped off at the library without prior arrangement will be recycled. If you believe you have items of potential interest to special collections, please complete the Material Donation Form for consideration.