The SFU Library is dedicated to expanding and enhancing its collections to meet the evolving and growing needs of its staff and students. To achieve this, the Library has implemented targeted strategies for the selection, acquisition, and maintenance of resources that support teaching, learning, and research. By continually developing and diversifying its holdings, the Library strives to address the varied demands of different academic disciplines while also offering materials for general reference and leisure reading. All in all, the Library remains committed to providing a comprehensive range of up-to-date resources that cater to a wide array of interests and purposes.

The Collection Development Policy of the Library has been put in place and has been reviewed and revised regularly to ensure that it remains consistent with the strategic priorities of the University and that it can accommodate changes in teaching and learning needs.

The Policy serves the following objectives:

• To identify and prioritize short-term and long-term acquisitions needs;
• To provide appropriate selection and purchase guidelines for acquisitions staff;
• To set out different ways of handling and discarding gifts and donated materials;
• To ensure that the development of the library collections can be adequately financed; and
• To publicize the acquisitions processes so that users can be in a better position to make purchase recommendations.

• Resources that fit the curricular needs and research interests of staff and students will be selected. The most updated editions are preferred unless otherwise requested by academic staff.
• Publications that can fill the subject gaps are recommended by the Library regularly. Reference materials such as organizational reports and yearbooks will be acquired to support different research needs.
• Journal publications will be subscribed to after consulting with and getting approval from the academic staff and the Senior Management.
• The e-Priority Policy is adopted, under which resources in electronic format are preferred and purchased at a reasonable price if they are available in the market.
• The Library will not purchase materials that contain improper elements. The Librarian reserves the final right to decide on the types of materials that are to be acquired and to be held in the Library.

Scope: The Library has striven to develop a balanced collection that covers resources for different subject disciplines. Priority will be given to materials that are required in the academic programmes offered by Schools.

Format: The Library purchases both print and electronic resources.

• Electronic books are always preferred if they are available in the market.
• Print books may be selected if no digital versions are available or if such versions are unreasonably expensive. They may also be acquired if they are more convenient to use and/or if they include illustrations such as diagrams, images, graphs which are better presented in print.
• Print journals may be purchased if they are not available in an electronic format and/or if their texts and illustrations are better in quality than their electronic alternatives.
• Audio-visual materials such as DVD films are also acquired for educational and entertainment purposes.

Edition: The most updated edition of a publication will be acquired. Older editions may be purchased only if they are specifically requested by users with sound justifications.

Language: English and Chinese materials will be acquired. Those in other languages may also be selected based on curricular needs or in response to specific requests from staff.

Currency: The Library mainly acquires materials related to the latest research topics in various academic disciplines. However, resources that pertain to specific developments and historical periods might also be purchased.

Quantity: The Library acquires published materials on their merits. Normally, the library purchases Only One print or electronic copy for each title. Multiple copies will be acquired only if such titles are in heavy demand or recommended by academic staff as principal texts or essential readings. However, requests for multiple copies should be kept to a minimum.

E-Books and E-Journals
Under the e-Priority Policy, preference is given to electronic books and journals that can be purchased within the budget limits. These resources include individual titles, bulk collections as well as journal subscriptions. Access to these resources is available both on and off campus and at any time. Nevertheless, owing to the restrictions set by the providers, a concurrent access limit may be imposed on a single resource.

E-Databases
In addition to electronic books and journals, online databases across various disciplines are regularly added to the collection. A trial period for new databases will be made available to all SFU members, along with the possibility of an on-site demonstration by the information provider. Members are encouraged to share their feedback and suggestions during the trial.

The Librarian will evaluate the general feedback and consider professional input from academic staff before making a final decision on database subscriptions. Financial matters and negotiations regarding service terms with information providers will also be handled by the Librarian. All licensing agreements must be approved by Senior Management and signed by the Chief Executive cum Director of Education Services, Caritas – Hong Kong, the President, or the University Librarian.

• Academic staff are invited to provide syllabus booklists to the Library or fill out the Application for Acquisition of Reference Materials Form.
• The completed form should be endorsed by the Dean of Schools / Librarian. Recommended materials will be assessed by the Library. The Librarian reserves the right of final decision on the form of materials to be purchased.
• Upon the approval of the Senior Management, the Library will proceed to place the purchase order.

• The Library will closely monitor the physical condition of all print materials. If they are found damaged or broken, remedial works such as re-binding and repair will be carried out as soon as possible. Replacement copies may be purchased if the materials cannot be restored. However, if the titles are no longer available in the market, substitute titles may be considered for purchase.
• The temperature and humidity of the Library are maintained at a certain level to minimize mold growth. An ultraviolet (UV) book sterilizer has been installed to disinfect print books after check-out.
• Under bad weather conditions such as rainstorms and typhoons, appropriate steps will be taken to protect the print materials. In case of emergency, the assistance of the Estates Management Office may be sought.
• The accessibility of all electronic resources is a top priority. If any technical problems occur, the Library will conduct an investigation and tackle the issues in consultation with the information provider.

To ensure that the existing space is sensibly utilized, the Library reviews its holdings on a regular basis and relocates the following materials from the open shelves to the closed stacks prior to disposal:

• Worn out items
• Outdated editions
• Superseded titles
• Duplicate copies
• Items with little usage over the years

The disposal of the above materials will only be carried out after the staff of related disciplines are duly consulted and the Senior Management has given the approval.

The Library welcomes the donation of materials that support the educational and research needs of the University. All donations are expected to be in good physical condition and meet the selection criteria set by the Library. In general, the following materials will not be accepted:

• Outdated books on the subject of business and finance, law, science, health studies, computing and technology
• Previous editions of reference works or textbooks
• Materials in poor physical condition
• Items that are reprinted or reproduced without the authorization of the authors or publishers
• Duplicate items that are already held
• Newspapers, magazines and journals (single issue / broken run of issues)
• Travel guides, works of fiction and children’s books

Conditions of Acceptance: 

• Donated items may not be added to the library collection. These items will not be returned to donors unless prior agreement is made.
• The Library reserves the right to make the final decision on the retention, location, processing and disposal of the donated materials.

This Policy will be periodically expanded and reviewed to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness.

Updated: May 2024