Summary

Our WWCC Library collections are based on the philosophy that a library is more than its collection of materials; it is an exceptional and organic combination of knowledgeable staff, services and materials made available through evolving information technologies in an environment conducive to learning.

Collection Consultations are available!

Request for materials

Faculty requests for library purchases may be made directed to the librarian who you partner with for information literacy instruction, or you may also send your request to Jacquelyn Ray, Director of Library Services or complete our online request form.

Collection Analysis Services

Librarians perform other services, such as collection reviews for individual course or program needs, or if your program has unique accreditation standards (e.g. Nursing). Please get in touch with Jacquelyn Ray, Director of Library Services, so we can ensure the Library is adequately prepared to meet our student’s curricular needs.

Requests for Collection Analyses to support new program applications in curriculum development should be addressed to Jacquelyn Ray, Director of Library Services.

The mission of the library’s collection development policy is to:

  • provide resources adequate for introducing and defining a subject in the curriculum with relevancy to course outcomes
  • introduce primary and secondary resources in a subject area
  • expand student horizons and facilitate learning outside the classroom
  • reflect diverse heritages and socio-economic backgrounds of students
  • address range of learning styles and reading levels
  • provide subject-based tools such as dictionaries and handbooks, essential journals, current selection of monographs addressing cross-disciplinary topics
  • support effective learning environment and activities

Responsibility for the development and management of the collection is shared by librarians and the teaching faculty. This partnership is vital for a custom-designed collection that addresses the college’s unique course-work and teaching and research needs. Faculty bring to the selection process in-depth subject and discipline expertise. Librarians are familiar with appropriate selection tools, trends in user practice and specific information needs for class assignments and research projects. Librarians are primarily responsible for developing the reference collection (print and electronic), identifying and reviewing electronic databases, selecting materials not covered by an academic department and designing the library web site for optimum access. The Library Director is responsible for coordinating the selection and access processes. Any student or employee may also make recommendations and can do so in person, via e-mail or through request forms available online and at the front desk.

The Library’s complete Collection Policy is reviewed every 3 years by the Collection Development Committee.

The library supports the following policy statements:

  • Library Bill of Rights
  • Freedom to Read
  • Intellectual Freedom to View
  • AACC Position Statement on Library and Resource Centers Program

Collection Goals

  • Support and enrich the curriculum and the instructional programs of Walla Walla Community College, throughout its service area, for students, faculty and staff
  • Expand the range of locally available materials with resource sharing agreements and consortia purchasing
  • Encourage lifelong reading

Gifts:

The Library welcomes gifts of materials useful to library users and that strengthen the collection. The library will generally not accept materials that are in poor physical or fragile condition but will refer donors to other libraries with appropriate archival and preservation resources. The Library adheres to the guidelines established by copyright laws and conventions. As a result the Library will not accept photocopies, or video, audio or DVD copies of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. When a gift is accepted it becomes the property of the Library. Materials not added to the collection will be disposed of at the discretion of the Library – including the offer of the material to a more appropriate collection.  Individuals wishing to give monetary gifts for the purchase of materials may contact either the Director of Library Services or the Foundation Director.

At the donor’s request the Director of Library Services provides a letter of acknowledgment. The appraisal of gifts for tax purposes is the responsibility of the donor.

Weeding:

The removal of materials to be discarded is an important part of collection development. A process of continual assessment, removal and replacement of materials is maintained to ensure relevancy, accessibility, cost efficiency and attractiveness of both electronic and hard copy collections. Current periodical titles are reviewed annually prior to renewal. All other areas of the collection should be reviewed every three to five years.

Guidelines:

  • Outdated materials
  • Superseded editions
  • Excessively worn or damaged materials
  • Unintended multiple copies
  • Previous editions of textbooks and instructional materials
  • Presentation style (photos, graphics, delivery style) distracting to information
  • Currency, comprehensiveness and reliability better met in another format

Every effort should be made to replace lost or heavily mutilated titles if they are judged to be of continuing relevance. Gifts can be used to replace worn circulating copies. Condition of all materials should be monitored to ensure those in need of repair/rebinding or replacement are attended to. Lost books will be reviewed at least annually for replacement.

Faculty are encouraged to review academic program areas and make recommendation for  discard/update/ replacement/expansion.