The University continues to maintain a sizeable print collection, while removing books that have not been accessed by library users for many years.
This process is carried out regularly by libraries to ensure collections remain relevant, and to balance a physical collection with digital resources and study spaces. It is a collaborative process with feedback from academics and students.
Books that have been deselected have been made available free to staff, students and members of the public. We welcome interest from members of the public who are interested in collecting the books. Items not collected are then recycled sustainably by a company that employs people with disabilities.
An increasing number of resources are now accessible online across UniSC’s five campuses and for people studying online. We are proud of our collection, which includes digital journal databases, eBooks, interlibrary loan and document delivery services, in addition to the print books.
Collection Evaluation
Aim
Library staff are responsible for maintaining a high-quality active collection, which supports and responds to the University’s learning and teaching activities. Liaison Librarians regularly evaluate the collection to ensure library resources are relevant, current, and in good condition.
Deselection
The following criteria may be used to make decisions regarding the physical deselection of library resources:
- relevancy to the curriculum;
- usage rates;
- age of the material (this may vary according to discipline);
- condition of the material;
- number of copies (multiple copies no longer relevant to teaching and learning activities will be assessed);
- superseded editions;
- format (physical copies may be removed if an electronic copy is made available, redundant formats may also be removed).
Evaluation and decision making may be informed by:
- system reports and analytics;
- stakeholder consultation and feedback.
Physical resources will NOT be deselected if:
- they are included in current reading lists;
- are core or seminal works;
- hold value or significance to our local communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Regular deselection activities may be complemented by large scale projects to meet the evolving needs of UniSC’s student community and contribute to the Strategic Goals, Engagement and Infrastructure, as outlined in UniSC Strategic Plan 2021-2024.