Category: Digital Collections

On November 1st the library sent out a message to the university about unpurchased titles being removed from our catalog. Many titles in the catalog are books that are leased titles, but not yet purchased from the vendors. When our patrons click on those items and use them more than 2 or 3 times, we purchase them and they become a permanent part of the collection. This is a new trend called “patron driven acquisitions” and has pretty much replaced traditional methods of adding to the collection. This has allowed libraries to move from a “just in case” method of purchase to a “just in time” model. With the expiration of Tech Fee money, the materials in the catalog that have not been purchased or used by patrons are going to be removed, so some things that have been in the catalog will no longer be there. However, items that have been used by patrons or for classes will be purchased before the expiration date. The librarians in Collections & Discovery are doing that analysis and selection now. We are hopeful that new Tech Fee money will be awarded so that we can continue to enhance our monograph selection. That being said, items that are e-books needed for courses and part of the textbook affordability program will continue to get high priority and will be purchased, along with requests from faculty and students that support research. If there are books that you need that you are worried could disappear, please send us a list of titles, and we will ensure that they are or have been purchased so that you do not lose access. Thank you for your support. If you have any questions, please contact Laura Pascual at lcpascua@usf.edu.