Michigan State University

Collection Development Policy Statement: Main Library Reference et. al.

Created 10 March 2000; last edited September 2023.

NEW Purpose and Scope of the Collections

A. Curricular, Research and Programmatic Needs:

A1. Mission and Concepts of the General and Closed Reference Collections

Main Library General and Closed Reference print collections serve MSU Libraries users with convenient access to resources of current, reliable content. These ready-reference collections for community and MSU users consist of materials that are primarily non-circulating, providing well-organized content, updated information, and overviews of past and current events and populations. The mission of the print collections isn't to provide an in-depth coverage of any subject, but provide patrons a convenient way to find facts, introductions and overviews on a wide range of subject areas, names and dates. The collection also includes dictionaries in English, translation, visual, and specialty versions. The print collection provides easy access to basic answers, but more importantly to the foundations of knowledge, providing users with enough information to begin deeper explorations and research in the targeted subject.

MSU Library Online Reference collections provide that next deeper-dive utilizing multidisciplinary databases, indices, and other tools. Reference funds cover those resources that cover multiple areas where no clear case can be made for them to be purchased from a subject-level fund. Access to online Reference resources are provided on selected resource computers in the reference area (for non-MSU patrons) as well as all MSU users with proper credentials.

Reference librarians at the Reference Desk connect users with the print and electronic collection, help them choose among available options, and coach them on successful use of the resources. 

The contents and design of the general reference collection promotes independent use of both print and digital resources by library users, coaching of users by nearby Reference Desk staff, and the research of liaison librarians who use reference publications as tools. Physical design of the area makes it easy for library users to work independently and to consult with public services staff. Key elements include signs and maps, waist-high shelf units that double as reading surfaces, and a centralized reference desk location near to the selected resources computers, so that staff and patrons can see each other.

A2. Mission of the MSU Collection

The MSU Collection was established in 2017, consolidating works that feature the University and its peoples in a convenient location. It consists of books, newsletters, and documents about MSU, including its history, colleges, departments, and administration. Departmental newsletters, club publications and documents, departmental histories, yearbooks, administrative documents, budget and salary reports, etc. may be included in the collection. It also contains items about the East Lansing area in regards to the growth and development of an adjacent 'college town.'

The collection contains primarily of the call number range LD3245-48.M. Outliers of this range are included when the work addresses the University's history including departmental histories and alumni reports.

A3. Mission of the Travel Collection

The travel collection serves as an information and planning resource for the University population and the public. Guides can be valuable sources for geographic or historical information for study-abroad students, internationally traveling MSU personnel, and those with interests in geography. Reference collects current books for Michigan, the United States, and the nations of the world in a separate Travel Guide alcove. A secondary function for the collection is to serve the research needs of the MSU campus. This applies particularly to older, historical material, plus newer commentary on how the global Covid-19 pandemic affected travel and services in other countries.

Materials purchased are primarily in the English language, with some exceptions where the only materials are not available in English or when specialist guides for international populations at MSU are appropriate.

Renewal of this collection is an ongoing process.

B. Concise history of the MSU Libraries Reference Collections

A reference library has existed at the MSU Libraries since its inception. Reference desks of various subject-levels and locations existed throughout the Main Library. Consolidation of these desks and collections took place over the decades as the building was enlarged with the new East Wing in 1968 and the arrival of computerized and digital materials. In the reorganization of 1999, a reference presence on the Main Library's first floor was seen as an effective way to serve users, especially those learning to use rapidly changing library technology for research. The print collection heavily analyzed and materials dispersed to other locations. The process of review, updating, and relocating has continued since 1999 and will continue as advances occur in materials, financial decisions and the physical spaces.

B1. Concise history of the MSU Libraries General, Consulting and Closed Reference Collections

The General Reference collection resides in 1 East, near the Reference Desk in 1 Center. A Consulting Reference collection is located on 1 East consisting of titles that are currently too large to be moved into the Main Stacks. These will likely be moved or discarded as space and electronic equivalents become available and the space repurposed. A small Closed Reference collection resides behind the Reference Desk. These materials are either valuable, single-copy materials considered to be in high demand, or as theft risks. 

As electronic resources became more widely available via Web interfaces and local servers, they replaced many print tools, but users still required assistance by library staff acquainted with the content and coverage of available databases and with the various interfaces. The current plan reflects the belief that more users of all kinds get immediate assistance and referred to subject specialists as needed. 

B2. Concise history of the MSU Collection

The MSU Collection was established in 2017, consolidating works that feature the University and its peoples in a convenient location. Items were reassigned from all areas of the Main Library to populate the collection, and was established on the main floor near the 1 East Reference Desk for easy access by patrons and librarians alike. The MSU Collection is available for circulation and inter-library loan.

B3. Concise history of the Travel Collection

The travel collection was a discrete sub-collection in the Main Library until 2010 when it was dispersed to the Main Library stacks. Prior to moving to the stacks it was a non-circulating collection. It was reconstituted in a separate physical location on the first floor of the Main Library, next to the Browsing Collection, in 2013, then migrated to a new location near the Red Cedar Entrance in 2018. The travel collection is available for circulation and inter-library loan.

Electronic reference travel guides were purchased to supplement the print collection, especially during the Covid 19 pandemic semesters in 2020-2021. However, the focus on a balance of print and online are more the norm.

NEW Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Library collections can be seen as an outgrowth of academic research and community. Historically and presently, academia does not have broad inclusive representation of diverse people and perspectives. This means that the opportunities for collection to advance DEI may be limited by the academic research community and what is published. However, effort will be made to collect content created by or about historically oppressed, underrepresented, and underserved communities. Examples of strategies for inclusion and broadening the collection include deliberately looking for scholars from underrepresented groups (often via disciplinary societies that focus on these communities) and verifying their books are purchased as well as looking at works from small presses or occasionally self-published works. Additionally, purchased electronic materials, such as ebooks and online journals, must meet University standards on accessibility.