Collections
Building a 21st Century Research Library
The Libraries’ collections are delivered in a variety of formats. Most new materials are in digital form acquired by purchase plans, licenses, and contracts, often negotiated in collaboration with library consortia.
Digital collections are born digital, reformatted, locally created and/or commercially published. Retrospective government documents collections are digitized in cooperation with the United States Government Printing Office (GPO) and all new government publications are received electronically. Documents collections are available in a variety of formats including paper, audio, and video materials (I am assuming this sentence refers just to documents since collection variety is addressed directly above).
The Libraries manages a digital repository for the University that includes electronic theses and dissertations, portfolios, public policy documents, data sets, other CSU intellectual assets, and back files of commercially provided resources. Because many courses are available online, the Libraries is involved in developing and archiving learning objects and collaborative tools.
Collection building decisions are handled efficiently and in concert with effective interlibrary loan and document delivery programs to ensure that CSU users have the materials they need for research and teaching.
In collaboration with University units, other libraries, and scholarly organizations, the Libraries is an advocate and resource for changes in scholarly communication, including open access.
Collections, physical and digital, are managed through a comprehensive collection management and preservation plan. Campus libraries house frequently consulted physical collections and spaces for teaching and learning. Les frequently used collections are stored off-site in high-quality preservation environments. Collection ownership and access are shared with other libraries.
Archives and Special Collections are a vibrant, integral part of the Libraries’ operations and provide outreach to the University and wider scholarly communities. Archival successes include water, agriculture, and University records. Comprehensive intellectual and physical access is provided for all Archives and Special Collections holdings.
Measurement, assessment and evaluation of the collections are continuous and guide decision-making.
The Libraries provides assessment and evaluation of library resources needed for new academic programs and participates in all related curriculum development.
Collaborations to maximize space and expand access to collections, including regional repositories for print and digital assets, are fully encouraged and supported.