Collection management
Collection management policy
The full policy is available as a document 
. This page aims to provide more detail relating to managing and developing different areas of the Library collection, outlining specific policies, the processes that are followed and, where applicable, details of who is involved.
New Resources
Textbooks
New textbook purchases are identified from reading lists submitted by course tutors to the Library. Early submission is important to ensure materials are available for the beginning of the course. Multiple copies are purchased according to a ratio based on student numbers and relative importance of texts. Copies are deposited in collections considered appropriate to meet anticipated demand - generally Core or Short. Where available, we will also purchase an eBook for items that will be in heavy demand to supplement the print copies. For further information see 'Developing your reading list'.
Research books
In some departments all purchase suggestions for general stock are coordinated by the Library representative. Please check your department's policy with your library rep. Otherwise, suggestions for new purchases should be made online via the Library catalogue - using the Place Request option (you will need your library barcode to login). We generally purchase a single copy which is held in the main collection.
Audiovisual - DVD, video, audio tapes
The ERA license allows us to record some programmes from television and radio for the purposes of supporting teaching and research. Please contact Learning & Teaching Support to arrange this.
Requests to purchase AV materials to support taught courses should be submitted as part of the reading list for that course. Other requests should be submitted using the Place Request option on the catalogue.
Subscriptions - journals etc
Requests for new subscriptions should be sent via your library representative to Research Support with supporting information indicating its use in teaching and research. All requests are evaluated against a set of stated criteria by the Subscriptions Review Group, in consultation with academic departments, to ensure the equitable coverage across all subject areas. For more detailed information go to Suggest a new journal.
Digital archives and microform collections
We are sometimes able to purchase digital archives or microform collections to support current teaching and research activity. If you identify a collection you consider would be a useful addition let us know, via your library representative, indicating how it will be used - to support teaching and/or research.
Stock withdrawal
Low usage bookstock and print journals
To ensure that the collections in the Library provide the best possible support for current research and programmes of study, we undertake a rolling programme of stock revision. We work in this area using our stock revision and withdrawal policy and the moving to e-only policy for journals .
Masters' theses
We retain masters' theses for a maximum of 5 years from the date of submission. After this time, following a period of consultation with academic departments, they will be removed and either returned to relevant departments or securely destroyed. Exceptions to this are theses deemed to have local interest or having continuing relevance to the subject area. This policy does not apply to MPhil theses which will be held in perpetuity.
Old editions
When new editions of a title are purchased, multiples of older editions will generally be removed from stock (unless an alternative arrangement has been agreed). They will be sold in the annual book sale with the exception of Law textbooks which will be disposed of. A single copy of the previous edition will be retained in the main collection.
