The LSU Libraries
Louisiana State University and A&M College
Collection Development Policy

I. Introduction

This policy states the principles and guidelines used by the LSU Libraries in the selection, acquisition, evaluation, and maintenance of library materials in all formats. It will be used to provide consistency among subject liaisons who are responsible for developing the collection and communicating library services and policies to faculty, students, staff, and other interested persons. The policy is in accordance with the mission of the LSU Libraries and that of Louisiana State University & A&M College. It is understood that as programs and other information needs of the University change, the collection development policy will change to meet those needs.

II. LSU & A&M College Mission Statement

The concept of state universities has been characterized as one of the extraordinary ideas originated by the American people; the notion that people should tax themselves in every state to provide the facilities for giving their children a look at the total knowledge of the world is unprecedented. Establishment of the state university is the most notable attempt in the world's history to make higher education available to any qualified person.

The state university contributes to the cultural development of the state through large and rapidly growing libraries, an array of music presentations, fine arts exhibits, drama productions, the university press, and guest artists and lecturers. In the state university can be found those practical and indispensable professional colleges without which our society could not long endure.

A more recent chapter in the history of the state university has been the growing awareness of its impact on the economic development and diversity of a state. The University's reputation for excellence serves as a magnet and focal point for investments in new industry and expansion of existing industry.

A great state university enriches not only the individual lives of all who partake of its learning and are touched by its influence, but also the cultural and economic climate of the entire state. With its sister institutions, both within the state and nationwide, it represents one of the nation's - indeed, the world's - great resources and treasures.

Louisiana State University and A & M College - the oldest and largest institution in the LSU System - belongs to the people of the state, and its justification for existence is to serve the constituents of the state. LSU and A&M College exerts a major influence on the economic, social, and cultural life of the state through extensive, multipurpose programs encompassing instruction, research, and service.

The purpose of instruction is to instill in students an appreciation of knowledge and to prepare them to lead responsible lives and pursue productive careers. Research is conducted in order to expand the horizons of knowledge. Public service permits the transference of this knowledge into practical applications in order to benefit the people of Louisiana, the nation, and the world.

Louisiana State University and A&M College is the state's comprehensive research university. It shall continue to perform the functions assigned to it by the Morrill Act of 1862 and the Sea Grant Program Act of 1966. The institution shall continue to offer a comprehensive range of instructional programs at the baccalaureate, professional, and graduate levels. As the premier university of the state, the mission of Louisiana State University and A&M College is the generation, preservation, dissemination, and application of knowledge and cultivation of the arts for the benefit of the people of the state, the nation, and the global community.

To collect, preserve, and provide access to information resources of state, national, and international import which support the instructional, research, public service programs, and mission of the University.

Mission Rationale

As the research library for Louisiana State University and "the state's premier public university research library and one of the top research libraries in the nation," as designated by the Board of Regents' Master Plan for Higher Education, the LSU Libraries must build and maintain a preeminent library. The Libraries serve the University and the state as the critical resource for collecting, organizing, and providing access to scholarly information. They must be administered effectively to ensure the appropriate acquisition and use of financial, human, and material resources in support of the collections, facilities, personnel, services, and technology. The Libraries must partner with other campus departments to increase information access. They must explore innovative ideas to enhance information, technological assets, and to expand electronic delivery mechanisms that place needed resources in the hands of users. Through increased interinstitutional cooperation and partnerships with corporate, philanthropic, and nonprofit technology sectors, the Libraries must implement new initiatives in information technology for the campus and its users.

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