The library considers the following factors in all acquisitions:
1. The library collection as a whole – The library assesses the completeness of the holdings of the collection against standard bibliographies and other sources described in the Selection Criteria.
2. The library as part of an information system – The library considers the holdings of other libraries nearby but does not rely on external sources to fill basic needs.
3. The library users – The library considers the visual orientation of our users and that inspiration comes from many places.
4. The need for supplementary materials in areas of strong student and faculty interest, contemporary issues in art and cultural criticism, and current trends in art as indicated in articles in journals, periodicals, and publisher’s notices.
5. User patterns and circulation statistics that indicate areas of greater or lesser interest and need.
Visual content is an important factor when selecting materials for Decker Library. Materials with poor text may be purchased for the library if the art reproductions are of excellent quality.
Similarly, items usually considered to be at a level too low for college programs may be chosen because they present graphics, images, photographs, or drawings suitable to the needs of the student population or curriculum.
The library uses the following criteria in materials selection:
1. Content – Appropriateness and the importance of the work to Decker Library’s collection. Continuing value for the collection. Availability of other works on the subject in the current collection.
2. Quality – Authority and expertise of the author as well as the reputation of the publisher. Quality of reproductions and the physical quality of the work itself. Generally prefer hardcover over softcover. Clarity and accuracy of the presentation. Generally, self-published items will not be collected unless they are a zine or artist book. CreateSpace books is an example of a reprint publisher that should be avoided.
3. Format – Appropriate for the collection’s existing materials. Available technological support and budget for new media or formats. Materials that can be readily processed and fit the library’s physical space.
4. Price – Within the historical budgetary levels and practices of the library. Expensive materials considered if high potential use and applicability to more than one section of the curriculum.