Collection Development Policy

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Scope of Collection
  • Gift Policy
  • Textbook Policy
• Collection Evaluation & Maintenance
• Specific Policies for Discrete Collections
• Specific Policies for Formats
• Reconsideration of Information Resources

Introduction

Mission & Vision

Purpose of Policy

Intellectual Freedom & Copyright

In keeping with the ALA Code of Ethics and ALA Bill of Rights, the MSU Library is committed to preserving and protecting intellectual freedom and copyright, even if those materials are controversial. This commitment extends to all areas of information access and provision. See also:

• Guidelines for Classroom Copying of Books and Periodicals
• Conditions of Use and Licensing Restrictions for Electronic Resources

Roles and Responsibilities 

Staffing

Except where otherwise noted in this policy, primary responsibility for the maintenance and oversight of the collections resides with the Collection Access & Technical Services department (CATS).  Any member of the University Community may suggest items for purchase to the CATS department.  The Collection Development Librarian makes the final decision with regard to these materials.  Additional details regarding discrete collections are covered in the section Specific Policies for Discrete Collections.

Support  

The library’s primary role in acquisitions is to provide sustainable access to information resources and scholarly content. Some licensed resources and platforms may require varying levels of technical support, outreach, training, or instructional integration. Support responsibilities may be shared across library departments, campus UIT, academic departments, research units, or publishers and vendors. 

Acquisition of a resource does not necessarily imply comprehensive long-term instructional, technical, or workflow support solely by the CATS department. The library may define support expectations, timelines, and review processes through memoranda of understanding (MOUs), pilot agreements, or related documentation.

Budget

The development and management of the library's collections are guided by this policy within the scope of available resources. The University allocates funds to the library for the acquisition and processing of materials. The Collection Development Librarian has primary oversight over the collections budget, with additional oversight by the Dean of the Library. The decisions regarding appropriate materials are made in consultation with library and departmental faculty. Rather than being constrained by inflexible formulas, collections are regularly evaluated and collection adjustments are made, as needed. Inflationary costs from information vendors require an equal increase in library budgetary funds to maintain stable and on-going access to the information resources needed for the University's education and research missions.

Scope of Collection

General Description of MSU Programs

The library's resources reflect the education and research of the University. The library has a representative on the Curriculum & Programs Committee and the MSU Graduate Council to keep abreast of changes in the curriculum. Links to current Undergraduate and Graduate degrees, majors, and options are provided below.

• MSU Undergraduate Degrees, Majors, and Options
• MSU Undergraduate Minors
• MSU Graduate Degrees and Options

Selection Priorities, Goals, Organization, and Access

For primary subjects, we collect at a level adequate to support the course work of advanced undergraduate and master's degree programs, and sustained independent study. This collection includes a wide range of primary resources, basic and retrospective collections of the works of important writers, selections from secondary writers, representative journals, and reference tools pertaining to the subject. For subject areas with advanced degrees or intense research, the library will acquire additional information resources. The library's collections are primarily organized by Library of Congress Classification Scheme. Materials are findable through our library catalog, CatSearch, library indexes and databases, LibGuides, finding aids, and in-house created searching and indexing tools.

Accessibility

We are committed to providing web accessible resources to individuals with disabilities. We make every effort to gather information and prioritize the acquisitions of web accessible electronic resources, except in cases where a product or service would be fundamentally altered.

Preferred Languages

Most resources selected are in the English language except for basic and representative works in any other language taught at MSU. Exceptions to this are foreign language dictionaries, encyclopedias, other reference tools, and audio, video, and other materials determined to be necessary to support the curriculum.

General Criteria for Selection

General criteria, employed in the objective evaluation process include, where applicable: 

• Quality of content 

• Anticipated lasting value 

• Appropriateness of level of treatment 

• Cost 

• Suitability of format to content 

• Authoritativeness of the author 

• Reputation of the publisher 

• Physical condition of the item 

• Currentness and timeliness 

• Scholarliness, including notes and bibliography 

• Scope 

• Availability of equipment or technology required for use 

• Tone, balanced presentation 

• Does not needlessly duplicate coverage already in the collections or available elsewhere 

• Accessibility and usability 

• Availability and quality of vendor support 

• Expected staff support and training requirements 

• Sustainability of pricing and licensing models 

• Campus-wide versus individual-user value 

• Compatibility with existing library systems and infrastructure 

• Availability of usage statistics and assessment metrics 

An item, in whatever format, that sufficiently meets the general objective criteria listed above, is then evaluated based on the subjective criteria related to the level of existing collections, programs, and goals. Specific criteria may also be considered for format or discrete collections. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Generated Materials and AI Features in Library Resources  

The library makes reasonable efforts to not purchase, acquire, or accept donations of materials that are primarily generated, authored, narrated, or written by artificial intelligence (AI). It is possible that AI generated content will be inadvertently added to the library’s collections. For example, the library often subscribes to large packages of materials, upwards of thousands of electronic books and journals, streaming videos, etc. The library cannot review each item in these collections for AI generated content.   

However, the library recognizes that AI generated materials might be requested by our patrons for teaching, learning, or research. Such requests for AI generated items will be evaluated for addition to the collection using the Selection Priorities, Goals, Organization, and Access outlined in the library’s collection development policy. If an AI generated item is added to the library’s physical collections, the library will make reasonable efforts to note that it is AI generated in the catalog record.  

Additionally, publishers and vendors often add AI features and enhancements such as AI assistant summaries and natural language search queries, to their electronic resources to which the library subscribes. Occasionally, libraries can opt in to these features; other times they are automatically enabled. In this rapidly changing environment of AI generated materials and tools, the library will make every reasonable effort to evaluate these and make users aware of subscribed resources with AI features.

Additional information about AI features in Library Subscriptions can be found in the library guide: Using Generative AI: A Guide for Students. 

Cooperative Purchasing with Other Units & Institutions

MSU Library purchases items jointly with other institutions, as appropriate. Because vendors offer a wide-variety of pricing options, joint purchases do not always result in a lower price than if they were purchased by each institution individually. Primary partner libraries include the TRAILS consortium; the other MSUs; the Montana State Library/State of Montana; the University of Montana and other Montana Academic Libraries individually. In addition, MSU participates in a variety of consortial arrangements including but not limited to organizational memberships such as Lyrasis, Greater Western Library Association, and others where additional discounts may be obtained. 

Research Tools, Software Platforms, and AI-Enhanced Resources 

MSU Library may acquire or provide access to software platforms, research tools, and AI-enhanced resources that support teaching, learning, and research when those resources align with the library’s mission, strategic priorities, operational capacity, and available funding. 

Examples may include: 

• AI-enhanced discovery and citation analysis tools 

• Systematic and scoping review platforms 

• Research data resources 

• Digital scholarship and research-support tools 

• Workflow or research-enablement platforms associated with scholarly communication 

The library prioritizes resources that: 

• Demonstrate broad campus relevance and impact 

• Support multiple disciplines or programs 

• Improve access to information resources and scholarship 

• Meet accessibility and usability standards 

• Can be sustainably funded and supported 

The library recognizes that some research workflow tools may require substantial training, outreach, technical support, integration, and ongoing maintenance. Acquisition decisions therefore consider both financial cost and staff capacity. 

Not all requested tools or platforms fall within the library’s scope of responsibility. Some resources may be more appropriately supported by campus UIT, research offices, academic departments, or other institutional partners. 

The library may establish pilot access periods, limited-term subscriptions, or shared funding arrangements when evaluating emerging tools and technologies. 

The library reserves the right to discontinue access to resources that no longer demonstrate sufficient value, sustainability, usage, mission alignment, or operational feasibility. 

Support for Open Collections & Scholarship

Open access to scholarly literature and research documentation increases the impact of research conducted at MSU, thus furthering the spread of new knowledge, not only for our students and affiliates, but for all those who value the pursuit of learning and innovation.

MSU Library supports a variety of open access initiatives on the Montana State University campus and aligns communications with publishers to it's Negotiating Principles for Information Access in order to provide access to scholarship. See the full list of the current Read & Publish agreements in place at MSU Library.

Gift Policy

Due to space and resources constraints, we are not able to accept donations of books or other physical items. For a full description of our approach to donations please read our Gift Policy.

Textbook Policy

As a general policy, MSU Library does not purchase current traditional textbooks for the collection. The library may acquire textbooks selectively for the collection if they have long-term research, study, or archival value. For a full description of our approach to textbooks please read our Textbook Policy.

Guidelines for Resource Trials

A trial offers temporary access to online resources, allowing the MSU community to evaluate the content, features, value, and usefulness before the library commits to a subscription or purchase.

If the library determines that the requested resource meets selection criteria and requirements (such as relevance to diverse users, cost, and authentication),the library will coordinate trial access directly with the vendor or publisher. Typically, trials take one to two weeks to configure, with a standard 30-day trial period, though the duration may vary based on negotiations and vendor policies.

While resource trials are welcome, due to budget constraints, most trials won't immediately lead to a purchase or subscription unless they're deemed highly valuable to MSU users. If the library decides to subscribe, it's usually for one year, with no obligation to renew. MSU Library does not support repeated trials of resources for instructional or personal use.

Current MSU students, faculty, and staff can request a resource trial by emailing Rachelle McLain or Hannah McKelvey.

Collection Evaluation & Maintenance

Evaluation

Regular evaluation includes a consideration of the condition of materials, subject covered, the percentage of holding within that area of the collections, usage, the date of the last weeding, format, costs, redundancy in other materials or in other formats, etc.

Evaluation and Renewal of Licensed Research Tools and Platforms

Licensed research tools, workflow platforms, and software-based resources are periodically evaluated to determine continued alignment with the library’s mission, strategic priorities, budget capacity, and operational support capabilities. 

Evaluation factors may include: 

• Usage and adoption 

• Demonstrated impact on teaching, learning, or research 

• Accessibility and usability 

• Vendor responsiveness and support quality 

• Staff time required for maintenance, troubleshooting, training, and outreach 

• Cost effectiveness and long-term sustainability 

• Overlap with existing campus-supported services or resources 

The library may discontinue, replace, or decline renewal of resources that no longer demonstrate sufficient value or sustainable support requirements. 

Whenever feasible, the library will provide advance notice and alternative recommendations when discontinuing access to a resource. 

Preservation & Replacement

Every effort is given to proper housing and maintenance of the collections through appropriate housing, server storage and backup, climate control, Kapco covering, binding, and mending. Items posing environmental or health hazards because of mold, mildew, etc. are removed. Items will be considered for replacement or rebinding due to marking, wear, loss, theft, newer and revised editions, updated formats, inoperability, etc.

Multiple Copies

In general, the library avoids retaining multiple copies of resources. Exceptions to this policy include copies needed in more than one location (e.g., Special Collections and general stacks for circulation), different versions of a work, and high-use items.

Deselection

Because of the ever-growing body of information, space constraints, and the constantly changing focus of the research and teaching at MSU, the collections are regularly evaluated for appropriateness and condition. Consideration is given to the age of the collection, circulation and usage statistics, physical condition of materials (as appropriate), coverage in other, better sources, inaccurate, outdated, and misleading information (except where historically significant), and suitability for the collection mission. Following MSU Policy and Procedures, the library disposes of surplus physical resources through a variety of mechanisms including donating to other libraries, online reselling, auction, charitable donation, recycling, etc.

Specific Policies for Discrete Collections

This section discusses discrete collections maintained by MSU Library. In selecting and maintaining each of these collections, additional criteria may be considered in addition to the library's general selection and evaluation criteria: 

Archives and Special Collections 

Archives and Special Collections collects, maintains, and makes available the non-current, permanently valuable records of Montana State University along with unique print and manuscript resources pertaining to designated collecting areas. To view the full Archives and Special Collections collection development policy,visit this page.  

Research Data  

MSU Library facilitates research data sharing and preservation through partnerships with third-party data repositories. Research data are not generally collected or preserved locally by the MSU Library.   

To support sharing, discovery and access for MSU research datasets, the library sponsors free data deposit in Dryad and Qualitative Data Repository via institutional memberships. The library also provides the MSU Dataset Search to facilitate discovery of MSU research datasets that are shared in third-party data repositories. A list of additional recommended data repositories is available on the MSU Library’s Repositories for Sharing Research Data webpage. 

Note: Some research data may be included as supplementary material in MSU ScholarWorks. MSU Archives and Special Collections may also make exceptions for historically relevant research data that align with its collection development policy.  

For more information about MSU Library’s Research Data Services, please visit our Research Data Services webpage. 

Definition of Research Data   

In the context of this policy, we consider that research data are usually:  

1. the primary materials of research—not limited to numerical data and including processes such as software code and workflows  
2.  the outputs of computation, experiment, or observation, and/or   
3. materials generated during the research process that support transparency and understanding of research results.  

Reference

The library maintains a reference collection to answer quick questions and provide subject overviews to library users. Reference sources summarize, condense, or give a comprehensive overview of a topic. Print reference resources remain in the library to be readily available to all users. Selection criteria of particular importance for reference sources are: accuracy, arrangement, and ease-of-use. Criteria for choosing online reference sources over print include comparing

• The ease-of-use of each format
• Ability to cross-search with other online reference works
• Expected use versus number of simultaneous seats
• Price

Reference sources are designed to make information look-up easy rather than to be read comprehensively. These resources include items such as: bibliographies, indexes, directories, dictionaries, catalogs, yearbooks, annuals, statistical compendia, atlases, gazetteers, biographical dictionaries, almanacs, encyclopedias, handbooks, abstracts, and databases.

For popular, frequently published reference books, and for some works available online, older print editions may be kept in the circulating collection.

Bobcat Browse

The Bobcat Browse collection consists of various rotating collections organized by theme. There are also popular-reading periodicals housed in the Browse collection. Older issues of these periodicals can be found in our general circulating collection. Each collection is described in greater detail below. There is a Bobcat Browse Committee in the library that decides what is housed in the various parts of Browse and the guidelines for management of these collections, as outlined here in the Collection Development Policy.

Browse: Featured Collection

The featured collection area rotates through different themes and highlighted events. There is not a set amount of time that a featured collection will be highlighted, but, generally no collection will be located in this area longer than one year.

Browse: MSU Faculty, Staff, Student Recommended Reading

Throughout the academic year, we ask MSU faculty, staff, students, and community members what books they'd recommend to others for pleasure reading. This collection is continually updated with new recommendations. Materials that are rotated out of this collection are either added to our general circulating collection or are withdrawn due to low use.

Browse:Montana Publications and MSU Authors/University Publication

Select Montana-authors or books about Montana are located in the Montana publications area of Browse. These items are usually permanently housed in our circulating collections or Archives and Special Collections.

For MSU-authored publications, one copy will be placed in Special Collections, University Publications and an additional copy may be selected for the MSU Authors Browse collection and/or in the general circulating collection.

MSU authors are encouraged to deposit digital copies in our MSU Library's Institutional Repository, ScholarWorks.

Graphic Novels 

The library houses graphic novels as a discreet collection separate from the regular circulating collection and juvenile collection. We identify graphic novels based on content and bibliographic data. Regular additions to the collection include the YALSA Top Ten Great Graphic Novels for Teens as part of our support of the Education Department.  

Young Adult 

The library houses young adult material as a discreet collection separate from the regular circulating juvenile collection. We identify young adult material based on bibliographic data. Regular additions to the collection include award-winning juvenile titles and the YALSA Top Ten Best Fiction for Young Adults. 

Travel 

The library collects travel guides and related material as a discreet Travel collection.  Selection criteria include alignment with MSU Study Abroad destinations and input solicited from students.

Government Documents 

The government documents collection expands the information sources available to the University and surrounding community by including materials produced by various governments or agencies. 

The library participates in the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) for systematic acquisition of federal documents. There are also a limited number of Montana state and Canadian federal documents included in the general collection. 

The library does not participate in the United Nations depository program but will select materials according to the general selection criteria when appropriate. 

Selection Criteria 

All FDLP items are selected, acquired, withdrawn, and discarded in accordance with FDLP regulations. 

In addition to collecting content that reflects the education and research of the University, government documents also support MSU's function as a land grant institution. Areas of collection include but are not limited to Montana's Native Americans, water rights, agriculture, Yellowstone National Park, grazing and timber rights, Congressional reports, Census data, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) documents. 

The Federal Documents selection profile is reviewed annually to add or remove titles. The selection profile is reviewed by the depository coordinator in consultation with the Collection Development Librarian. 

Bibliographic Access 

The goal is to have all government document titles reflected in the catalog. Call number schemes vary. 

• Montana and Canadian documents are integrated into the regular circulating Library of Congress stacks. 

• Circulating federal Documents are housed as a discrete collection in accordance with FDLP regulations and use the Superintendent of Documents classification scheme (SuDoc). 

Format 

Federal documents are acquired in a variety of formats including print, microfiche, CD-ROMs, DVDs, map, and electronic. Due to the volume of material produced by the US government, many core essential titles are received in microform. 

Juvenile Collection

The purpose of the Juvenile Collection is to provide materials in support of courses taught in the College of Education and Health and Human Development and in other parts of the University with a Teacher Education focus. This core collection of classic and current titles provides an opportunity for students studying early childhood, elementary and secondary education, and school library media management to become familiar with some of the best in children's and young adult literature. It also provides a selection of appropriate nonfiction materials. The collection contains representative materials across a wide range of subjects and interests. Within the limited resources available to build and maintain this collection, emphasis is placed upon award winning books for preschool through young adult levels. Award and honor books will be added annually, including but not limited to the Caldecott, Newbery, Coretta Scott King, Pura Belpré, Michael Printz, Batchelder, and Orbis Pictus winners. Materials by Montana authors and those that feature Montana will be included as will titles that support Indian Education for All.

The circulating juvenile Collection is housed as a discrete collection. The arrangement of the nonfiction collection is by Dewey Decimal Classification while the fiction and picture books are arranged alphabetically by author. The collection organization mirrors most school and public libraries.

While this collection is used by parents and young people in the University community as a substitute for public or school libraries, it is not intended for such use and is not maintained to fulfill that function.

Maps

The map collection is a subset of the government documents collection. It consists primarily of federal maps, Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology (MBMG) maps, and individual maps and atlases. Maps from the western half of the United States (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming) are collected with emphasis on Montana and its surrounding states. 

USGS topographic maps (7.5, 15, 30 and 60 minute) for Montana and surrounding states (WY, ID, SD, & ND); current and older maps are kept. For all other states, only the most current map is kept. 

The library collects geologic and miscellaneous maps for Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. To a lesser extent, the library collects geologic, hydrologic, national parks, and other miscellaneous US maps. 

In addition to meeting geographic criteria, the selection of cartographic materials is based on accuracy, clarity, size, and ease of use. At least one current globe is made available for consultation. 

Bibliographic Access 

The goal is to have all of the map series and individual titles reflected in the catalog. Call numbers schemes vary. 

• For MBMG maps and open-file reports, a Library of Congress classification scheme is used. 

• For USGS topographic maps (7.5, 15, 30, and 60 minute), and miscellaneous and geological regional maps, an accession call number using the following format is used: Case Letter:DrawerNumber Map Name (i.e. Case O:01 AK peninsula). 

• For other Federal Depository Maps (non USGS), the SuDoc classification scheme is used. 

Multiple Copies 

The library may collect multiple copies of Montana maps. 

Cataloging and Processing 

All new maps, whether received through the government depository, purchased, or donated should go through the regular cataloging and processing procedures. 

Circulation 

The circulation status of maps varies by type of map series and region represented. 

Film/Visual Materials (DVDs, Blu-ray)

Film and video material can be an effective alternative to print media for the dissemination of information. In addition to the general selection criteria outlined above, the following are also criteria used when selecting film and video materials:

• Technical quality of color and sound
• Complete compliance with copyright law and fair use
• Cost and ease of replacement

The library also selectively purchases films and television programs and series. These can include award nominated films, film or television programs or series that meet the curriculum and research needs of an academic program, and other historically significant works. Pricing for these items is quite varied and consideration will be given to what is reasonable within the library funds available.

Bibliographic Access

The goal is to have all film and video material titles reflected in the catalog. Library of Congress classification scheme will be used. The circulating film and video materials are housed as a discrete collection.

Format

The preferred format for video materials is DVD. 

Music & Language Recordings 

The library holds a selection of physical audio recordings in support of the music and language curriculums and general curricular needs.

Specific Policies for Formats 

In selecting and maintaining each of these formats, the following additional criteria will be considered along with the library's general selection and evaluation criteria:

Books

• Print: Hardback is the preferred format, but, paperback is preferred if less costly or expected to be updated frequently.
• Electronic: Preference of e-books in comparison to print books is considered on a case-by-case basis using criteria such as ownership, target audience, pricing, bulk-purchase, previous usage statistics, areas of subject need not met by other electronic resources, titles available for consortial purchase from publishers, one-time purchase versus leasing options, etc.

Journals

Since the journals budget remains approximately the same each year relative to inflation, the library makes every effort to maintain heavily used existing subscriptions. In order to add a new title, current subscriptions may be reviewed for cancellation. In selecting journals the following additional criteria will be considered along with the library's general selection criteria:

• Full text search availability and inclusion within subscribed databases
• Cost
• Scope, audience level
• Past demand through interlibrary loan
• Provides a unique contribution to the collection
• Availability from other libraries through interlibrary loan
• Print: Print is chosen when online costs are prohibitive, when online is not available, when print has an added value (such as art journals), or when permanent access is desired. Some vendors offer print + online (electronic) for less than online only. In this case, retention of the print is considered relative to demand and ownership of online. If permanent access (aka ownership) is provided online, print is not retained. As the e-journal ownership/permanent model increases, it is anticipated the print journal collection will continue to be reduced.
• Electronic: When close in cost, quality, and availability, e-journals are preferred over print journals.

Databases/Indexes

When subscribing to databases and indexes, the following criteria will be considered:

• Importance of the resource to the academic discipline(s) and the level of expected use
• Currentness of the information
• Comprehensiveness, durability and accuracy
• Value, cost, quality
• Distinctiveness, overlap, coverage
• Ease of use, training requirements
• Access restrictions
• Licensing requirements
• Ease of installation and maintenance, if required. Web-based databases are preferred over locally-housed databases
• Broad accessibility of the resource under present copyright laws and licensing agreements
• Availability of usage statistics, preferably COUNTER compliant

Microforms

Publications maintained in microform formats for preservation and to save space will not generally be duplicated in other formats. Limited exceptions may be made because of extremely high use or because of the quality of reproduction of photography or other graphics. Online format is preferred to microform.

• Physical Film: In choosing microfilm for the collection, the following will be considered:
  • Technical quality
  • Availability of appropriate equipment and technical support
  • Cost effectiveness
  • Copyright, licensing
  • Longevity
• Digital: Digitalized microfilm is preferred over physical film giving consideration to price, quality, full-text indexing. Physical film may be retained if permanent access to digital is not definite.

Newspapers

Geographical balance, full-text indexing, journalistic quality, importance to the mission of MSU, local or regional coverage, and comparative costs will be the primary criteria considered for the selection and retention of general newspaper publications.

• Print: Print newspapers are retained for a limited time until they are replaced by microform or electronic coverage, or they are disposed of outright.
• Electronic: Electronic format is preferred. Archival, permanent electronic purchases replace any print or microform holdings.

MSU Dissertations & Theses

• Print: The library collections contain at least one print copy of all theses and dissertations from Montana State University through 2005, when the Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) database was implemented. For preservation purposes, one copy is housed in Special Collections. When available, a second copy is available for circulation in the library's general collections.

• Electronic: The Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) project at Montana State University is a collaborative effort between the Graduate School, MSU Library, graduate degree granting departments and students.

  All theses/dissertations are submitted to the Graduate School office electronically. The Graduate School does not require a bound paper copy of your thesis or dissertation. Please check with your department for their requirements or suggestions for a bound copy.

  ETDs are published in ScholarWorks, our Institutional Repository. Students may chose to have their ETD freely available worldwide or hold access to their work for a period of up to one year. After one year, all ETDs will be available online to the general public.

  • Submission guidelines for ETDs

  • Search the ETD Database

Oversize

Materials are considered oversize if their dimensions are greater than fits on shelving for other items in the same format. These items are housed on shelving with other oversized items to make maximum use of space.

Musical Scores

The library collects music scores in support of the music curriculum, including miniature scores, scores with parts, scholarly editions of the complete works of major composers, operas, cantatas (full score and piano-vocal score), oratorios, Broadway shows, solo instrument/voice with or without accompaniment, duets with or without accompaniment, and chamber ensemble scores and parts. The library does not collect or store performance scores and parts for large ensembles.

The purchase of online scores should only be considered for

1. full scores that can either be printed in full and/or that can scroll quickly enough to be read along with an audio recording
2. or databases with online parts (as long as the parts can be printed)

Otherwise, print scores are preferred.

Reconsideration of Information Resources

This portion of the collection development policy addresses the reconsideration of information resources (physical and electronic) acquired by the MSU Library through its collection development practices and policies. 

When considering information resources to be added to its collection, MSU Library aims to “make available the widest diversity of views and expressions, including those that are unorthodox, unpopular, or considered dangerous by the majority” (American Library Association’s Freedom to Read Statement).  

Additionally, some historical information resources in the library’s collections may contain language or images that users find inappropriate or offensive. Those information resources are products of the times in which they were created and represent the historical record. 

All information resources in the library’s collection are intended to move forward the mission, vision, and values of MSU Library by supporting and advancing teaching, learning, and research for Montana State University and the people of Montana by providing uncensored access to information and knowledge.  

The library values diverse perspectives, as they challenge us, help us learn, and broaden our worldview. We strongly encourage users of MSU Library to engage with items in the collection that they deem objectionable by reading, listening, or viewing them with an open and curious mind.  

It is more impactful to all, if library users suggest information resources to be added to the collection that balance the viewpoint of offending items rather than advocating for their removal. 

Request for Review

If a student or employee at Montana State University wishes to suggest that an item be considered for removal from the library collection, a Request for Reconsideration of Information Resources form must be submitted to the Collection Development Librarian. 

Forms are only available at the library’s Service Desk and will be distributed in-person, upon request.  

The form must include the name and address of the user submitting the form, a description of the material in question, and the nature of the grievance. Incomplete forms, or forms completed by a non-affiliated user (anyone other than a current MSU faculty, staff, or student) of MSU Library, will not be reviewed. 

The Collection Development Librarian will arrange a meeting or phone call with the affiliated user to discuss their request. If a solution cannot be reached through an amicable conversation, in consultation with MSU Library Management Team, the Collection Development Librarian will determine whether to remove the item. The Dean of the Library retains final decision authority regarding the retention or removal of challenged materials. 

Reconsideration requests not received in accordance with this policy will be dismissed.

 Policy last updated August 13, 2026 by Rachelle McLain, Collection Development Librarian