Collection Development Policies

The St. Catherine Library and Archives exist to support the vision and mission of St. Catherine University. Through its services, personnel, facilities, collections and technology, the Library and Archives support and enrich the curricula, programs and activities of St. Kate's.

The collections at St. Kate's reflect the nature of the university's programs and curricula. The library supports the needs of undergraduates and their majors as well as more extensive research collections for graduate and doctoral level work in the professional programs. The collections include a wide range of resources in print, electronic, visual and audio formats, located within the library or accessible remotely. 

The St. Catherine Library upholds and promotes the American Library Association documents on intellectual freedom as set forth in the Library Bill of Rights and The Freedom to Read Statement. The Library supports the individual's right to choose; therefore, an effort is made to represent various sides of controversial issues. Decisions to purchase are not made on the basis of any anticipated approval or disapproval but solely on the merits of the work in relation to the building of the collection and to serving the needs of patrons.

The Library's first commitment is to select and acquire materials related to and in support of the curriculum. Secondary in importance are materials to support faculty research and special collections.

Deselection Guidelines

Decisions about which items to select and preserve in the library collections are guided by several key documents. Materials are chosen according to the collection development goals, general criteria, and subject-specific guidelines set forth in our Library Collection Development Policy. Additionally, the St. Catherine Library subscribes to the principles expressed in the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read Statement. The library is also guided by St. Catherine University’s mission and commitment to the Catholic intellectual tradition and the open atmosphere of critical inquiry. These govern the important role of the library in selecting and preserving knowledge that represents a diversity of thought and opinion.

Concerns about controversial topics or objectionable items should be addressed with the St. Catherine University Library Director. If a St. Catherine University affiliate would like the Library to reconsider the inclusion of a specific item in the library collection, a written request should be submitted to the Library Director, using the Reconsideration Request Form, which can be obtained from the Library Director. The Library Director, along with other librarians, will consider the request. The Library Director will respond to the requester in writing.

Policies approved Sept 21, 2022